素材
Meanings
ingredient; raw material; resource
Broadly used for physical ingredients, raw materials for manufacturing, or resources for creative work (e.g., data, footage, ideas).
All the ingredients for the dish are sourced locally.
I recorded the interview as material for this article.
unprocessed timber; raw timber
Specific use in woodworking and construction for timber that has not yet been processed.
This workshop uses unprocessed timber straight from the mountain.
Used for the subject or theme of a creative work, discussion, or study.
His novel takes family bonds as its subject matter.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉を素材にするto use something as subject matter (for a work, story, etc.)
This film is based on a true story as its subject matter.
- 素材を生かすto make the most of the natural qualities of an ingredient or material
This recipe makes the most of the fresh vegetables' natural flavor.
- 素材を選ぶto choose materials (for clothing, cooking, crafting, etc.)
When making clothes, choosing the right material is important.