How to say "derivative" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 派生語はせいごnounUsed for a derivative in the linguistic sense: a word formed from another word, such as one made with a prefix or suffix. This is the word for derivatives in vocabulary and grammar discussions.
- 派生的はせいてきna-adjectiveCovers 'derivative' as an adjective, describing something as secondary or derived rather than original, as in derivative work or derivative ideas. It is the adjectival counterpart among these words.
- 誘導体ゆうどうたいnounThe term for a derivative in chemistry: a compound derived from another compound by a chemical reaction. Use this when 'derivative' refers to substances, not words or functions.
- 導関数どうかんすうnounThe usual term for the derivative in calculus: the function obtained by differentiating another function. Use this in mathematical contexts rather than the general senses of 'derivative'.
- 微分係数びぶんけいすうnounAlso mathematical, glossed as differential coefficient as well as derivative; it points to the value of the derivative at a point rather than the derived function itself, so 導関数 is often the safer choice.
Choose by field: 派生語 for a word derived from another word, 派生的 for 'derivative' as an adjective, 誘導体 for chemical derivatives, and 導関数 or 微分係数 for the mathematical derivative.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
