Translation and Meaning of: 回路 - kairo

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you have probably come across the word 回路[かいろ]. It appears in technical contexts but also in everyday life, and understanding its meaning can open doors to a richer vocabulary. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is used by Japanese speakers, and tips for memorizing it efficiently. Here at Suki Nihongo, our detailed dictionary helps you learn Japanese with precision and real context.

The meaning and use of 回路[かいろ]

The word 回路[かいろ] is often translated as "circuit." It is composed of the kanji 回 (which means "turn" or "to rotate") and 路 (which indicates "path" or "route"). Together, these characters form the idea of a trajectory that returns to the starting point, whether in an electrical, logical, or even metaphorical context.

In everyday life, Japanese people use 回路 to refer to electrical circuits, such as in 電子回路 (でんしかいろ, electronic circuit). However, it also appears in expressions like 思考回路 (しこうかいろ, "thought circuit"), showcasing how the Japanese language creatively applies technical . If you have watched animes or dramas with technology themes, you have likely heard this word in dialogues.

The origin and writing of 回路

The combination of the kanjis 回 and 路 is not random. The first, 回, carries the notion of circular movement or repetition, while 路 reinforces the idea of a path. This junction reflects well the concept of a closed circuit, where energy or information circulates on a defined path. It’s worth noting that, although the term is used in modern contexts, its components have ancient roots in Chinese writing.

For those learning to write 回路, one tip is to that 回 appears in other words like 回転 (かいてん, rotation), while 路 is common in like 道路 (どうろ, road). Associating these kanji with already known vocabulary can make memorization easier.

How 回路 is perceived in Japan

In Japan, 回路 is a term used in a technical context, but it is not restricted to specialists. It appears in manuals, science classes, and even in informal conversations when the topic is technology. Its frequency is moderate: it is not as common as basic , but it is also not considered obscure. Those who work in engineering or computing certainly use it regularly.

An interesting fact is that, although 回路 is neutral, some Japanese people associate it with innovation and precision due to its connection with electronics and robotics — fields in which Japan is a global reference. If you want to sound natural when using it, pay attention to the context: in sentences like "この回路は壊れている" (this circuit is broken), it takes on a direct and objective tone.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 回路 (Kairo) - Circuit
• サーキット (Sākitto) - Circuit (in a context more related to races or competitions)
• 回路系 (Kairokei) - Circuit System
• 電気回路 (Denki Kairo) - Electrical Circuit
• 電子回路 (Denshi Kairo) - Electronic Circuit