kakuzai

Kakuzai is a romanization of a Japanese term that can correspond to several different kanji combinations. Because Japanese readings often share the same pronunciation, the meaning of kakuzai depends on the written characters. The two most common senses are 角材 and 核材, though other kanji with the same reading can exist in specialized contexts.

角材 (kakuzai) refers to squared timber or lumber. This is a standard construction material in carpentry, framing, and woodworking. 角材 are cut to uniform cross sections with right-angled edges, making them suitable for load-bearing beams, posts, and framework. They are sold by dimensions such as width, height, and length, and are widely used in furniture, framing, and architectural work. The term is common in catalogs, building codes, and carpentry manuals.

核材 (kakuzai) can denote nuclear-related materials in technical contexts. In texts dealing with nuclear engineering or physics, 核材 may be used to refer to materials associated with a reactor core, fuel assemblies, or other core components. This usage is specialized and far less common in general language, and it is typically found in scientific or industrial documentation.

In practice, when encountering kakuzai, the intended meaning hinges on the kanji. If the context is construction, carpentry, or woodworking, it almost certainly refers to squared timber. If the context is science or energy, especially documents about nuclear technology, it may refer to nuclear materials. If kanji are unavailable, consider seeking additional context or a kanji clarification to determine the precise meaning.