How to say "alchemy" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 錬金術れんきんじゅつnounThe common word for alchemy, meaning the art of trying to turn base metals into gold. For the historical practice, or alchemy in general, this is the word you want.
- nounA katakana loanword for alchemy. It covers the same sense as 錬金術 but is less common, appearing mainly in Western-flavoured contexts where that borrowed feel is wanted.
- 黄金術おうごんじゅつnounA less common, more literal alternative — literally 'the art of gold' — that highlights the aim of making gold. In practice you will almost always want 錬金術 instead.
- 煉丹術れんたんじゅつnounThe art of making elixirs as in Chinese traditional medicine; it corresponds to 'alchemy' only in that Chinese sense, so for Western alchemy 錬金術 is the word you want.
Use 錬金術 for alchemy in general; 「アルケミー」 and 黄金術 are less common alternatives; 煉丹術 means the Chinese art of making elixirs, matching 'alchemy' only in that sense.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
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