Translation guide
This guide covers how to express 'scientific' in Japanese, focusing on common adjectives, adverbial forms, and related expressions used in academic, technical, and everyday contexts.
Describing something as based on or characteristic of science, such as research, knowledge, or approach.
The most common and versatile adjective meaning 'scientific'. Used for methods, thinking, evidence, etc.
科学的な方法で問題を解決する。
Solve problems in a scientific way.
彼の主張には科学的根拠がない。
His claim has no scientific basis.
Literally 'of science', used as a noun modifier. More formal and often found in names of fields or institutions.
科学の進歩は目覚ましい。
Scientific progress is remarkable.
Means 'academic' or 'scholarly', often overlapping with 'scientific' in formal contexts like papers or conferences.
学術的な観点から分析する。
Analyze from a scientific/academic perspective.
Emphasizing a methodical, exact, and evidence-based approach, often in non-science contexts.
Also used for systematic approaches in business or daily life.
彼はいつも科学的に考える。
He always thinks scientifically.
Means 'rational' or 'logical', often used when 'scientific' implies efficiency and reason.
Specifically referring to fields like physics, chemistry, biology, as opposed to humanities.
Used for 'science-oriented' people or courses. Common in educational contexts.
彼は理科系の科目が得意だ。
He is good at scientific subjects.
Direct translation of 'natural sciences', used in formal or academic settings.
自然科学の分野で働いている。
Working in the scientific field (natural sciences).
科学的 (かがくてき) is an adjective meaning 'scientific' in quality or method. 科学の (かがくの) is a noun phrase meaning 'of science', used for fields, history, etc. Use 科学的 for describing approaches, thinking, or evidence; use 科学の for broader categories.
The loanword サイエンティフィック is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Stick to 科学的 or context-appropriate terms.
合理的な判断をする。
Make a rational/scientific judgment.