Japanese Conversation · Level 122
60 words
Japanese word
酸化
Pronunciation
Romajisanka
Meaning
- nounoxidation
Example
鉄は空気に触れると酸化します。tetsu wa kū ki ni fu re ru to san ka shi ma su
Iron oxidizes when it comes into contact with air.
More examples
油は光に当たると酸化が進みます。abura wa hikari ni a ta ru to san ka ga susu mi ma su
Oil oxidizes when exposed to light.
Core concept
Refers to a substance becoming chemically altered as it gives up electrons, with oxygen often involved.
Common phrases
酸化を防ぐsan ka o fuse gu
prevent oxidation
酸化が進むsan ka ga susu mu
oxidation progresses
酸化による変色san ka ni yo ru hen shoku
discoloration caused by oxidation
Definition in Japanese
物質が酸素と反応したり電子を失ったりして、化学的に変化すること。bus shitsu ga san so to han nō shi ta ri den shi o ushina tta ri shi te ka gaku teki ni hen ka su ru ko to
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese compound 酸化 (sanka) consists of 酸 (san, "acid" or "sour") and 化 (ka, "change").
Usage tips
- The word oxidation is common in explanations of why cut apples turn brown, so it applies beyond visible rust on metal.
Opposites
- 還元kangenreductionnoun
Related words
- 酸化剤sankazaioxidizing agentnoun
- 酸化物sankabutsuoxidenoun