How to say 'Pure' in Japanese | 素

word

Meaning

Pure

Reading

Kanji

素Element

Explanation

The Japanese prefix '素 (そ)' conveys the idea of something being pure, unadulterated, or in its natural state. It is often used to describe things that are unprocessed, unrefined, or free from artificial elements. For example: pure water「素水」(そすい). This prefix can also imply simplicity or a lack of pretense, as in '素顔 (すがお) (bare face, no makeup)'. Additionally, it can be used in contexts related to skill or talent, such as '素人 (しろうと) (amateur, literally 'pure person')', which contrasts with '玄人 (くろうと) (professional)'. Example sentences: She has a pure heart「彼女は素心だ」(かのじょはそしんだ). I prefer natural ingredients「私は素の材料が好きです」(わたしはそのざいりょうがすきです).

Part Of Speech

prefix

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

4264

Composition

kanji

Handwriting