Translation and Meaning of: 吸収 - kyuushuu

The Japanese word 吸収[きゅうしゅう] is a versatile term that appears in scientific, everyday, and even philosophical contexts. If you are studying Japanese or are just curious about the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and usage can be extremely helpful. In this article, we will explore everything from the composition of the kanji to practical situations where this word is applied, including memorization tips based on reliable sources.

Besides being a common word in textbooks, 吸収 also appears in discussions about Japanese culture and society. Whether to describe the absorption of nutrients or the assimilation of ideas, its use reflects interesting nuances of the language. Let's dive into these details without complications, showing how it fits into daily life in Japan.

Meaning and composition of 吸収

The word 吸収 is formed by two kanjis: 吸 (kyuu), which means "to suck" or "to absorb," and 収 (shuu), which carries the sense of "to collect" or "to store." Together, they create the concept of absorption, whether physical, like liquids being sucked, or abstract, like knowledge being assimilated. This duality causes the term to be applied in areas as distinct as biology and psychology.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you can find clear examples of how 吸収 is used in real sentences. A common case is in the scientific context, such as "植物が水分を吸収する" (plants absorb water). But it also appears in social situations, like companies that "新しい技術を吸収する" (absorb new technologies). This flexibility is one of the reasons why it is worth mastering its use.

Everyday and cultural use of 吸収

In Japan, 吸収 is not limited to laboratories or classrooms. It is present in conversations about food, such as when someone comments that a dish "栄養をよく吸収する" (absorbs nutrients well). It also appears in debates about globalization, where discussions revolve around how Japanese culture absorbs foreign influences while maintaining its identity. This adaptability is often associated with the term.

An interesting cultural aspect is how 吸収 reflects Japanese values of continuous learning. Companies encourage employees to "知識を吸収する" (absorb knowledge), showing that the verb goes beyond the physical. Even in mangas and animes, characters who evolve quickly are described as having "高い吸収力" (high absorption capacity), whether in skills or supernatural powers.

Tips for memorizing 吸収

An effective way to fixate on 吸収 is to associate the first kanji, 吸, with suction actions. It appears in words like 吸う (to smoke) and 吸入 (inhalation), always with this idea of pulling in. The second kanji, 収, is seen in like 回収 (collection) and 収穫 (harvest), reinforcing the concept of gathering something. This semantic decomposition helps to understand why the combination means absorption.

Another strategy is to create flashcards with images that represent both meanings: a sponge absorbing water (concrete use) and a brain assimilating information (abstract use). Studies on visual memory, such as those mentioned in the book "Make It Stick," show that associations with dual images increase vocabulary retention in foreign languages. Applying this to 吸収 can accelerate your learning.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 吸い込み (suikomi) - Inhalation; the act of drawing air or vapor in.
• 吸引 (kyuuin) - Extraction; the act of drawing or pulling something closer, usually using force.
• 取り込み (torikomi) - Capture; the act of bringing something in, often related to information or data.
• 吸い取り (suitori) - Attractiveness; the ability to draw in or absorb something.
• 吸い上げ (suiage) - Pull up; the act of raising or increasing something through attraction.
• 吸い込むこと (suikomu koto) - Inhalation; the action of pulling air or vapor inside.
• 吸い取ること (suitoru koto) - Act of absorbing; the action of pulling or drawing something inward.
• 吸引すること (kyuuin suru koto) - Act of attracting; the action of pulling something closer.
• 取り込むこと (torikomu koto) - Act of capturing; the action of bringing something inside.
• 吸い上げること (suiageru koto) - Act of pulling up; action of raising something by attraction.