負(ふ)の数(すう)

A basic mathematical term introduced in Japanese junior high school (middle school) math. In the Japanese curriculum, negative numbers are taught in the first year of 中学校(ちゅうがっこう).

Related words

• 正(せい)の数(すう): positive number
• 整数(せいすう): integer
• 自然数(しぜんすう): natural number
• 絶対値(ぜったいち): absolute value

Forms

負(ふ) (negative, minus) + の (possessive particle) + 数(すう) (number)

Usage

In everyday speech, マイナス (minus) is more commonly used for temperatures and financial losses, while 負(ふ)の数(すう) is specifically the mathematical term.