Translation guide
The English word 'elements' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: basic parts of something, natural forces (weather), and the classical elements (earth, water, fire, air).
Referring to the fundamental or essential parts of something, such as a system, plan, or subject.
The most common and versatile word for 'elements' as components or factors. Used in many contexts, from science to daily life.
成功の要素は何ですか。
What are the elements of success?
この計画にはいくつかの重要な要素が欠けている。
This plan lacks several important elements.
Often used for constituent parts or ingredients, especially in scientific, nutritional, or chemical contexts.
この食品の成分を確認してください。
Please check the ingredients (elements) of this food.
A more formal compound meaning 'constituent elements' or 'components'. Suitable for technical or academic descriptions.
システムの構成要素を分析する。
Analyze the constituent elements of the system.
Referring to the power of nature, such as wind, rain, and storms, often in the phrase 'the elements'.
Literally 'the power of nature'. A natural way to express the idea of being exposed to the elements.
彼らは自然の力にさらされていた。
They were exposed to the elements.
Specifically 'wind and rain', often used to describe harsh weather conditions. More concrete than 'the elements'.
風雨をしのぐ場所を探した。
We looked for shelter from the elements.
Simply means 'weather'. Can be used in contexts like 'braving the elements', but is less dramatic.
Referring to the four or five basic substances believed to constitute the physical world in ancient and medieval philosophy.
The standard term for the four classical elements (earth, water, fire, air). Sometimes includes a fifth element (void or aether).
四大元素は地、水、火、風です。
The four elements are earth, water, fire, and air.
Can mean 'element' in both the classical and chemical sense. Context usually clarifies which is meant.
古代ギリシャでは、世界は四つの元素から成ると考えられていた。
In ancient Greece, it was thought that the world consisted of four elements.
要素 (yōso) is the most general and widely used for 'elements' as abstract components. 成分 (seibun) is preferred for physical constituents like ingredients or chemical components. 構成要素 (kōsei yōso) is a formal term for structural elements in systems or theories.
元素 (genso) refers to chemical elements or classical elements, not to weather. Using it for 'braving the elements' would be incorrect. Use 自然の力 or 風雨 instead.
悪天候の中を歩いた。
We walked through the elements.