Translation guide
The central or most important part of something, or the core of an atom or cell. Japanese uses different words depending on context.
Referring to the core group, idea, or element around which something develops.
General term for 'core' or 'nucleus' in abstract, organizational, or physical senses. Very common.
He is the nucleus of the team.
この理論の核となる概念を説明してください。
Please explain the core concept of this theory.
Means 'center' or 'heart'. Often used for physical or metaphorical centers.
その都市は商業の中心地だ。
The city is a commercial nucleus.
Means 'core' or 'kernel', often used for the central part of an organization or system.
彼らは会社の中核を担っている。
They form the nucleus of the company.
The positively charged central part of an atom.
Standard scientific term for atomic nucleus.
原子核は陽子と中性子から成る。
The atomic nucleus consists of protons and neutrons.
The membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells containing genetic material.
Biological term for cell nucleus. Often shortened to 核 in context.
細胞核にはDNAが含まれている。
The cell nucleus contains DNA.
The solid central part of a comet.
Used in astronomy for comet nucleus. Often part of compound 彗星核 (すいせいかく).
彗星の核は氷と塵でできている。
The comet's nucleus is made of ice and dust.
The central part of a syllable, usually a vowel.
Technical linguistics term. Rare outside academic contexts.
日本語の音節核は通常母音です。
The syllable nucleus in Japanese is usually a vowel.
While 核 is the direct translation, it can sound technical. For everyday 'center' or 'heart', 中心 (ちゅうしん) is often more natural.
公園の中心に池がある。
There is a pond at the center of the park.