Meaning

Primary

Ultraviolet Rays

Alternative

Ultraviolet

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The purple outside line is the color spectrum that's outside purple. Those are ultraviolet rays (the lines are the rays).

紫外線 is a technical term, but you'll come across it a lot in everyday 紫外線対策 (UV protection) contexts like weather reports, skincare, or health talk.

Reading

しがいせん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word that uses the on'yomi readings of the kanji. You didn't learn the on'yomi reading of the kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you remember:

Do you know what animal has the best protection from ultraviolet rays? Sheep (), obviously. Their thick wool is the best UV protection. I mean, you've never seen sheep tanned and sunburned, right?

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 紫外線対策

    ultraviolet protection measures

    紫外線吸収剤

    ultraviolet absorber

    紫外線カット

    ultraviolet blocking

    紫外線照射

    ultraviolet irradiation

Context Sentences

紫外線が強い日は、外に出たくありません。

On days when the UV rays are strong, I don't want to go outside.

夏は紫外線対策が欠かせません。

In the summer, UV protection is essential.

紫外線は目にもダメージを与えるので、紫外線カットのサングラスを買いました。

Ultraviolet rays can also damage your eyes, so I bought UV-blocking sunglasses.

Kanji Composition