Translation guide
The English word "atom" can refer to the scientific particle, a very small amount of something, or the core unit of something. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
The smallest unit of a chemical element.
The standard scientific term for 'atom'. Used in all contexts from textbooks to news.
A tiny quantity or particle of something, often used in negative sentences.
Literally 'not even a fragment of ~'. Used to emphasize the complete absence of something, similar to 'not an atom of'.
The fundamental or indivisible unit of a larger system or concept.
Can be used metaphorically, as in 'atom of society', but this usage is less common and may sound translated.
English 'not an atom of' is an idiom meaning 'none at all'. Do not translate it literally as 原子がない. Use phrases like 欠片もない or 微塵もない instead.
水は水素原子と酸素原子からできている。
Water is made of hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms.
Learn the structure of the atom.
Loanword from English, used in some compound terms or brand names, but less common than 原子 in scientific contexts.
Make a model of an atom.
There's not an atom of truth in him.
Similar to 欠片, meaning 'not a single piece of ~'. Can be used for abstract concepts like evidence or feeling.
There's not an atom of evidence.
Means 'not even a particle/dust of ~'. Stronger and more emphatic than 欠片, often used with feelings or abstract qualities.
I didn't have an atom of doubt.
The family is the atom of society.
For non-scientific contexts, it's often more natural to use 最小単位 or 基本単位 rather than forcing the metaphor of 'atom'.
The family can be considered the smallest unit of society.