Translation guide
The English word 'meiosis' refers to the biological process of cell division that produces gametes. This guide focuses on how to express this concept in Japanese, primarily using the scientific term 減数分裂 (gensū bunretsu).
減数分裂
meiosis (biology)
The process by which a diploid cell divides to produce haploid gametes (sperm or eggs).
The standard scientific term for meiosis. Used in biology textbooks, academic papers, and formal contexts.
減数分裂は生殖細胞の形成に不可欠です。
Meiosis is essential for the formation of germ cells.
減数分裂の過程で染色体の数が半分になります。
During meiosis, the number of chromosomes is halved.
Katakana loanword from English. Sometimes used in scientific contexts, but less common than 減数分裂. May be seen in some textbooks or lectures.
メイオーシスは減数分裂とも呼ばれます。
Meiosis is also called gensū bunretsu.
In everyday conversation, Japanese speakers rarely discuss meiosis. The term 減数分裂 is almost exclusively used in educational or scientific settings. If you need to explain the concept to a non-specialist, you might say 生殖細胞ができるときの細胞分裂 (cell division when germ cells are formed).