合成（ごうせい、gousei）
- synthesis

The Japanese word 合成 (ごうせい) primarily means "synthesis," "combination," or "composition." It refers to the process of combining different elements or substances to create a new, more complex whole. It can apply to various fields, including chemistry, art, music, and even everyday situations. The key concept is the creation of something new from existing components. The word carries a sense of deliberate and intentional creation or mixing. 合成 can describe the act itself or the resulting product of the action of 合成.

⚫︎ 化学合成 Translation: Chemical synthesis ⚫︎ 音楽合成 Translation: Music synthesis ⚫︎ 写真の合成 Translation: Photo composite

You use 合成 when discussing the creation of something new by combining different parts. Specifically you use it: ⚫︎ When talking about chemical reactions where new compounds are created. ⚫︎ When describing the process of creating art (e.g., in digital art or music). ⚫︎ When referring to the combining of different images. ⚫︎ In contexts where different components are put together. You can use it in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter.

The word 合成 is written in kanji, with the reading written in hiragana. There are no alternative ways to write this word. The okurigana (the suffix hiragana) does not change. 合成 (ごうせい)

⚫︎ 組み合わせ (くみあわせ) - combination, assembling ⚫︎ 混合 (こんごう) - mixture, mixing ⚫︎ 統合 (とうごう) - integration, synthesis ⚫︎ 複合 (ふくごう) - composite, complex

⚫︎ 分解 (ぶんかい) - decomposition, analysis ⚫︎ 分離 (ぶんり) - separation, segregation

この薬は、いくつかの化学物質を合成して作られています。 ・Translation: This medicine is made by synthesizing several chemical substances. ・Explanation: This sentence explains how the medicine is created through a process of chemical synthesis, which involves the act of 合成.

その写真は、いくつかの写真を合成して作られたものです。 ・Translation: That photo is made by compositing several photos. ・Explanation: This sentence describes the creation of a photo by combining existing images using a process of photo 合成.

The word 合成 is composed of two kanji: 合 (ごう), meaning "combine," "unite," or "fit," and 成 (せい), meaning "become," "form," or "complete." Therefore, the word literally means "to combine to form" or "to create by combining." This accurately reflects its core meaning of bringing elements together to create something new. The etymology clarifies that the process of 合成 involves intentional union to reach a new form.