Translation guide
A substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life.
Referring to any substance that provides nourishment, such as in food, soil, or biology.
The standard, neutral term for a nutrient. Used in scientific, dietary, and everyday contexts.
野菜には多くの栄養素が含まれている。
Vegetables contain many nutrients.
この食品は栄養素が豊富だ。
This food is rich in nutrients.
Often translated as 'nutrition' or 'nourishment', but can also mean 'nutrient' in context. More common in everyday speech than 栄養素.
栄養 can be ambiguous; it often refers to nutrition in general rather than a specific nutrient. Use 栄養素 for clarity in scientific contexts.
この料理は栄養がたっぷりだ。
This dish is full of nutrients.
Referring to a particular category of nutrient, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, or minerals.
Still the best general term, but can be combined with specific names.
ビタミンは必須栄養素の一つです。
Vitamins are one of the essential nutrients.
Often used for nutrients in soil or for plants. Can also be used for food in a slightly more technical or agricultural context.
A nutrient that the body cannot synthesize and must obtain from food.
The direct translation of 'essential nutrient'. Common in health and nutrition contexts.
必須栄養素が不足すると病気になることがある。
A lack of essential nutrients can lead to illness.
Describing something as containing many nutrients.
Literally 'nutritional value is high'. The most natural way to say 'nutritious' or 'nutrient-dense'.
栄養価が高い食事を心がけましょう。
Let's aim for nutrient-rich meals.
A casual, colloquial way to say 'full of nutrients' or 'packed with nutrition'.
このスープは栄養たっぷりだよ。
This soup is packed with nutrients.
栄養素 (eiyouso) is the precise term for 'nutrient', used in science and formal contexts. 栄養 (eiyou) is broader, meaning 'nutrition' or 'nourishment', but can sometimes be used for 'nutrient' in casual speech. 養分 (youbun) is often used for nutrients in soil or for plants, and can sound technical.
If you want to say 'good nutrition' or 'nutrition is important', use 栄養 (eiyou), not 栄養素. 栄養素 refers to the specific substances.
土に養分が足りない。
The soil lacks nutrients.