Translation guide
The English word "composite" refers to something made up of various parts or elements. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 複合 (fukugō), used broadly for composite materials, systems, or concepts. Other terms like 合成 (gōsei) emphasize synthesis, while 混成 (konsei) highlights mixing. This guide covers the main ways to express "composite" in Japanese, from general to technical contexts.
Describing something that is a combination of different elements, materials, or components.
The most common and versatile term for 'composite'. Used in everyday and technical contexts for things made of multiple combined parts.
This material is a composite material.
Often used for chemical or artificial composites, emphasizing synthesis or combining to create something new. Common in science and manufacturing.
Emphasizes a mixture or blend of different elements. Less common than 複合, but used in specific fields like music (混成合唱 mixed chorus) or materials.
Specifically referring to composite materials like carbon fiber or fiberglass, made from two or more constituent materials.
In mathematics, a composite number is a positive integer that has at least one divisor other than 1 and itself.
In photography or image editing, a composite is an image made by combining multiple images.
複合 (fukugō) is the broadest term for 'composite', covering anything made of multiple parts. 合成 (gōsei) implies synthesis, often chemical or artificial, like 合成繊維 (synthetic fiber). 混成 (konsei) emphasizes mixing, used in specific contexts like 混成酒 (blended liquor). For general use, default to 複合.
English often uses 'composite' as an adjective (e.g., 'composite index'). In Japanese, it's usually part of a compound noun like 複合指数 (composite index) or expressed with 複合的な (composite-like). Don't try to use 複合 alone as an adjective.
Deal with a composite problem.
合成樹脂はプラスチックの一種です。
Synthetic resin is a type of plastic.
混成チームでプロジェクトを進める。
Proceed with the project as a composite team.
The standard term for composite materials in engineering and materials science.
Carbon fiber composite material is light and strong.
Loanword from English, used in technical contexts, often as part of compound terms like コンポジット材 (composite material).
This part is made of composite.
The standard mathematical term for a composite number.
4 is a composite number.
Literally 'composite photograph', used for photomontages or digitally combined images.
This poster uses a composite photo.
Loanword-based term for composite image, common in digital imaging contexts.
Create a composite image.