Translation guide
The scientific study of living organisms and life processes.
生物学
biology (as a subject)
Referring to biology as a school subject, university major, or scientific discipline.
The standard term for biology as an academic field. Used in all contexts from high school to research.
私は大学で生物学を専攻しています。
I'm majoring in biology at university.
生物学の授業はとても面白いです。
Biology class is very interesting.
Often used as a shorter form in school subject names (e.g., 生物の授業) or in compound terms. Can also mean 'living things' in other contexts.
明日は生物のテストがあります。
I have a biology test tomorrow.
Referring to the biological nature, processes, or characteristics of a living organism.
Used in phrases like 'the biology of ~' to describe the biological aspects of a specific organism.
この本はクジラの生物学について詳しく説明しています。
This book explains the biology of whales in detail.
Refers to the ecology or mode of life of an organism, often overlapping with 'biology' when discussing natural history.
In casual conversation about school subjects, 生物 (せいぶつ) is often used as a shorthand for 生物学 (せいぶつがく). However, 生物 can also mean 'living creature', so context is important. When in doubt, use 生物学 for clarity.
この鳥の生態はまだよくわかっていません。
The biology of this bird is still not well understood.