1.
power supply, power source
The source of electrical power for a device.
電源コードを抜いた。
I unplugged the power cord.
この機器の電源は乾電池だ。
The power source for this device is dry-cell batteries.
災害に備えて非常用の電源を用意しておいたほうがいい。
You should prepare an emergency power source in case of a disaster.
2.
power switch
The button or switch that turns a device on or off.
電源を入れてください。
Please turn on the power.
電源が入らない。
It won't turn on.
Common troubleshooting phrase
使い終わったらパソコンの電源を切ってください。
Please turn off the computer when you're done using it.
電源 has two distinct meanings: the physical source of electrical power (sense 1) and the power switch or on/off function of a device (sense 2). In everyday conversation, sense 2 is more common.
COMPOUND: 電 (electricity) + 源 (source)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 電源を入れる: to turn on (the power)
- 電源を切る: to turn off
- 電源が入る: power comes on
- 電源が落ちる: power goes out / shuts down
- 電源ボタン: power button
- 電源コード: power cord
- 電源タップ: power strip
USAGE:
電源を入れる/切る is used for devices in general. For lights specifically, 電気をつける/消す is more natural.
Related Words
Related:
コンセント (outlet)