Meaning and Usage
"人工" (じんこう) means "artificial" or "man-made." It is used to describe things created or produced by humans rather than occurring naturally. This word often appears in scientific, technological, and medical contexts.
Common Collocations
- 人工的 (じんこうてき): artificial, man-made
- 人工知能 (じんこうちのう): artificial intelligence
- 人工呼吸 (じんこうこきゅう): artificial respiration
Usage Notes
When using "人工," speakers emphasize that something is not natural but created by human effort. It is a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Be careful not to confuse "人工" with "人口" (じんこう), which means "population." They are homophones but have different meanings.
Practical Tips
Use "人工" when talking about technology, medical procedures, or any man-made objects or processes. For example, "人工の湖" (artificial lake) or "人工の材料" (man-made materials).