素数(そすう)

そすう
noun
prime number
1. prime number
A natural number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself.
7は素数(そすう)だ。
7 is a prime number.
素数(そすう)は無限(むげん)に存在(そんざい)する。
There are infinitely many prime numbers.
100以下(いか)の素数(そすう)をすべて書(か)き出(だ)しなさい。
Write out all the prime numbers up to 100.

Composed of 素(そ) (basic/elemental) + 数(すう) (number), suggesting a number in its most basic, indivisible form. A fundamental term in mathematics.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 素数(そすう)を求(もと)める: to find a prime number
  • 素数(そすう)の判定(はんてい): primality test
  • 最大(さいだい)の素数(そすう): the largest prime number
  • 素数(そすう)の一覧(いちらん): a list of prime numbers

RELATED TERMS:

  • 合成数(ごうせいすう): composite number — a number that is not prime (has divisors other than 1 and itself)
  • 因数(いんすう): factor — a number that divides another evenly
  • 素因数分解(そいんすうぶんかい): prime factorization — breaking a number into its prime factors

CULTURAL NOTE:
Prime numbers appear in Japanese pop culture, notably in the manga and anime series featuring mathematical themes. The concept is taught in Japanese middle school mathematics.

general
Added 2026.3.30 23:27
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