化合

かごう

chemical combination

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Understanding 化合

The word 化合 (かごう) specifically refers to the chemical combination or bonding of elements or compounds to form new substances. It is a technical term commonly used in chemistry contexts, especially in scientific discussions about reactions and compounds.

Usage and Context

化合 is often used to describe the process where two or more elements or molecules combine chemically, such as hydrogen and oxygen forming water. It can also refer to the resulting compound itself. This term is formal and mostly found in academic, scientific, or technical settings.

Common Collocations

  • 化合物 (かごうぶつ): compound (a substance formed by chemical combination)
  • 化合反応 (かごうはんのう): chemical reaction involving combination
  • 化合速度 (かごうそくど): rate of chemical combination or reaction

Important Notes

Learners should not confuse 化合 with general combinations or mixtures; 化合 implies a chemical change creating a new substance, not just physical mixing. Also, it is not used for non-chemical combinations in everyday conversation.

Understanding this term helps in reading scientific texts and discussing chemistry topics accurately.

Example Sentences

すいそとさんそがかごうしてみずができる。

Hydrogen and oxygen chemically combine to form water.

このかごうぶつはこうおんでぶんかいしやすい。

This compound decomposes easily at high temperatures.

かごうはんのうのそくどはおんどによってかわることがおおい。

The rate of chemical reactions often changes depending on the temperature.