How to say "element" in Japanese

• 元素げんそJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounThe word for a chemical element: one of the fundamental substances, such as hydrogen or oxygen, of which matter is composed. It is not used for elements of arrays, data structures or circuits.
  元素げんそ記号きごうＨは水素すいそをあらわす。↗

  The chemical symbol H indicates hydrogen.
• 素子そしCommon
  nounCovers "element" in the electronics sense: a component or device forming part of an electronic circuit. For chemical elements or elements of arrays, this is not the word you want.
• 要素ようそJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounAn element in the general sense — a constituent part or member, such as an element of an array or data structure. For senses beyond the chemical and electronic ones, use this word.

Use 元素 for chemical elements, 素子 for electronic components and devices, and 要素 for elements in the general sense, including members of arrays and data structures.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 元素げんそelement
• 素子そしelement (esp. component in electronics)
• エレメントelement
• 構成単位こうせいたんいelement
• 構成要素こうせいようそcomponent
• 電子素子でんしそし(electronic) element
• 要素ようそelement (e.g. in array)
• 分子ぶんしelement (of a group)
• 元げんelement (of a set)
• 属性ぞくせいelement (of an enemy or attack)