Translation guide
The term 'natural science' refers to the systematic study of the physical world, including fields like physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 自然科学 (しぜんかがく). This guide covers how to express the concept in various contexts, from academic to everyday use.
Referring to the broad field of natural sciences as a discipline or area of study.
The standard, neutral term for 'natural science'. Used in academic, educational, and general contexts.
彼は自然科学に興味がある。
He is interested in natural science.
自然科学の分野には物理学や化学が含まれる。
Fields of natural science include physics and chemistry.
Often used in university faculty names (e.g., 理学部, Faculty of Science) to refer to natural sciences, especially theoretical ones. More formal and academic.
理学部で物理学を専攻している。
I am majoring in physics in the Faculty of Science.
Distinguishing natural sciences from other academic disciplines.
Means 'natural science-related' or 'science track'. Used when categorizing fields of study.
彼女は自然科学系の科目が得意だ。
She is good at natural science subjects.
Commonly used in educational contexts to refer to the 'science stream' (as opposed to 文系, humanities). Implies natural sciences and mathematics.
理系の大学に進学したい。
I want to go to a science university.
Referring to natural science in the context of specific disciplines like physics, chemistry, biology.
In many cases, it's more natural to specify the exact science (e.g., 物理学 for physics, 化学 for chemistry, 生物学 for biology) rather than using the umbrella term.
自然科学、特に物理学に興味があります。
I'm interested in natural science, especially physics.
彼は自然科学者だ。→ 彼は物理学者だ。
He is a natural scientist. → He is a physicist.
自然科学 (しぜんかがく) is the direct translation and most general. 理学 (りがく) is often used in formal academic settings (e.g., 理学部, 理学博士). 理系 (りけい) is a broader term used in education to refer to the science track, including mathematics and engineering, and is commonly used in everyday conversation.
In Japanese schools, science is taught as 理科 (りか) in elementary and junior high, which covers basic natural science. In high school, it splits into 物理 (physics), 化学 (chemistry), 生物 (biology), and 地学 (earth science). So 'natural science' as a subject is often 理科 or the specific subject name.