線
[sẽ̞ɴ]
The Japanese word for "lines" is 線.
線 refers to a long, narrow mark made on a surface by a writing tool or a drawing instrument.
How does it change in a sentence?
線 is a noun that can represent both singular and plural 'line' or 'lines' depending on the context. In Japanese, the concept of 'lines' is often expressed by the single counter/noun 線 (sen) without a specific plural marker.
Did you know?
- The kanji 線 is composed of two parts: a 'silk' radical on the left and a phonetic component on the right, reflecting its ancient association with threads and strings.
- If you are referring to 'lines' in a queue or a waiting list, you would typically use the word 列 (retsu) rather than 線.
- Japanese uses 線 in the phrase 線を越える (sen o koeru), which literally means 'to cross the line'. It is used socially to describe someone who has gone too far or behaved inappropriately.
Examples in context
- 平行線は交差しません。Parallel lines do not intersect each other.This sentence demonstrates the use of 線 in a geometric context regarding parallel lines.Tatoeba #694850 by arihato, translation #694082 by darinmex
- 地図の青い線は川を表す。The blue lines on the map represent rivers.This sentence shows how 線 is used to describe lines on a map.Tatoeba #126861 by arnab, translation #277229 by CM
- 彼は前線に送りこまれた。He was sent to the front lines.This sentence illustrates the use of 線 in the phrase "front lines".Tatoeba #2263384 by bunbuku, translation #11221273 by Johannes_S
- ちょっと聞きたいことがあるんだけどさ…Hey, I've got something I want to ask…
- これは何や？What is this?
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki is helping Kenta draw a picture.
- 美咲 Misakiここにまっすぐな線を引いてください。Koko ni massugu na sen o hiite kudasai.Please draw a straight line here.
- 健太 Kentaこの線でいいですか？Kono sen de ii desu ka?Is this line okay?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、きれいな線ですね。Hai, kirei na sen desu ne.Yes, it is a beautiful line.
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます。Arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 線, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
