Translation guide
In English, "soma" can refer to the cell body of a neuron, a ritual drink in ancient Vedic culture, or a fictional drug. This guide covers how to express these distinct concepts in Japanese.
The part of a neuron containing the nucleus, also called the perikaryon.
Standard biological term for the cell body of a neuron.
A sacred drink in ancient Indian religion, often personified as a deity.
Katakana rendering of 'soma', commonly used in academic and popular contexts.
A hallucinogenic or pleasure-inducing drug in speculative fiction.
Katakana used for the drug in Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' and similar contexts.
The soma of a neuron contains the nucleus.
More specific term explicitly meaning 'nerve cell body'.
The size of the soma varies.
In ancient India, a sacred drink called soma was used in rituals.
Ateji (kanji used phonetically) for soma, found in older or literary texts.
Soma played an important role in Vedic rituals.
In 'Brave New World', soma is used to keep the population docile.