Translation guide
The English word 'synthetic' refers to something artificial, man-made, or produced by chemical synthesis. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 合成 (gōsei) for chemical or material contexts, while 人造 (jinzō) is used for man-made objects. For abstract uses like 'synthetic judgment' or 'synthetic language', specific terms apply. This guide covers practical meanings for learners.
Describing substances or materials produced artificially through chemical processes, as opposed to natural ones.
The standard term for chemically synthesized substances. Used as a noun or in compounds like 合成繊維 (synthetic fiber).
このジャケットは合成皮革でできています。
This jacket is made of synthetic leather.
合成洗剤は環境に悪影響を与えることがあります。
Synthetic detergents can have a negative impact on the environment.
Adjectival form meaning 'synthetic'. Used to modify nouns directly.
合成の香料を使っています。
We use synthetic fragrances.
Means 'artificial' or 'man-made'. Often used for things that mimic natural ones, like 人工甘味料 (artificial sweetener). Overlaps with synthetic but broader.
Referring to objects or materials that are artificially created rather than occurring naturally.
In linguistics, a synthetic language uses inflection to express grammatical relationships, as opposed to analytic languages.
In philosophy, a synthetic judgment is one where the predicate adds something not contained in the subject, as in Kantian philosophy.
The standard philosophical term for synthetic judgment, especially in Kantian contexts.
カントは総合的判断と分析的判断を区別した。
Kant distinguished between synthetic and analytic judgments.
Describing something that is not genuine, often with a negative nuance of being fake or imitation.
合成 (gōsei) emphasizes chemical synthesis, used for materials like fibers, resins, or drugs. 人造 (jinzō) means man-made, often for objects that mimic natural ones (e.g., gems, organs). 人工 (jinkō) is broader, covering anything artificial, including abstract concepts like artificial intelligence. In many cases, 合成 and 人工 overlap, but 合成 is more technical for chemistry.
The direct loanword シンセティック (shinsetikku) is rarely used in Japanese and may not be understood. Stick to the native terms above.
人工甘味料はカロリーが低いです。
Artificial sweeteners are low in calories.
Specifically means 'man-made' or 'artificial'. Common in compounds like 人造人間 (android) or 人造宝石 (synthetic gem).
人造ダイヤモンドは天然のものと見分けがつかない。
Synthetic diamonds are indistinguishable from natural ones.
この湖は人造湖です。
This lake is a man-made lake.
Adjectival form of 人工, meaning 'artificial'. Used for objects like 人工衛星 (artificial satellite).
人工の花は枯れない。
Artificial flowers don't wilt.
Used in linguistics to describe synthetic languages. Often appears as 総合的な言語 (synthetic language).
ラテン語は総合的な言語です。
Latin is a synthetic language.
A less common term for synthetic language, sometimes used in linguistic contexts.
合成言語は語形変化が豊富です。
Synthetic languages have rich inflection.
Means 'artificial' in a way that can imply unnaturalness or lack of authenticity. Often used for behaviors or appearances.
彼女の笑顔は人工的に見えた。
Her smile looked synthetic (artificial).
Literally 'made thing', implying something fake or imitation. Can be used for objects or emotions.
その涙は作り物だった。
Those tears were synthetic (fake).
シンセティック
synthetic (loanword)
シンセティック
synthetic (loanword)