JLPT · Level 72
45 words
Japanese word
歯車
Pronunciation
Romajihaguruma
Meaning
- noungear
Example
時計の歯車が動きます。tokei no ha guruma ga ugo ki ma su
The gear in the clock moves.
More examples
この装置には小さな歯車がいくつも使われています。ko no sō chi ni wa chii sa na ha guruma ga i ku tsu mo tsuka wa re te i ma su
Several small gears are used in this device.
Core concept
A toothed wheel transfers motion by fitting its teeth into those of another wheel.
Common phrases
歯車がかみ合うha guruma ga ka mi a u
gears mesh
歯車を交換するha guruma o kō kan su ru
replace a gear
Similar words
ギアgia: A toothed wheel used in a machine, especially a vehicle, to transmit or change motion.
Definition in Japanese
歯のような突起を周囲に持ち、別の歯車とかみ合わせて回転を伝える輪。ha no yō na tok ki o shū i ni mo chi betsu no ha guruma to ka mi a wa se te kai ten o tsuta e ru wa
Word origin
歯車 (haguruma) combines 歯 (ha, "tooth") and 車 (kuruma, "wheel"); the initial k becomes g through sound change in the compound.
Usage tips
- The Japanese word 歯車 (haguruma) also describes a person treated as a replaceable part of an organization, much like a cog in a machine.
Other meanings
- cogwheelnoun