1.
parallel
Lines or surfaces that maintain equal distance and never intersect.
この二つの線は平行だ。
These two lines are parallel.
線路は平行に走っている。
The railroad tracks run parallel to each other.
平行な二つの線はどこまで伸ばしても交わらない。
Two parallel lines never intersect no matter how far they are extended.
2.
simultaneous; concurrent
Doing multiple things at the same time.
仕事と勉強を平行して進める。
To pursue work and studies simultaneously.
二つのプロジェクトを平行して進めている。
We are working on two projects simultaneously.
話し合いは平行線のままで、なかなか結論が出なかった。
The discussion remained at a stalemate, and no conclusion was reached.
平行線 (parallel lines) is used figuratively to mean that two sides cannot reach agreement.
平行 has both a geometric meaning (parallel lines) and a figurative meaning (doing things simultaneously).
GEOMETRIC SENSE:
- 平行線: parallel lines
- 平行四辺形: parallelogram
FIGURATIVE SENSE:
- 平行して進める: to pursue simultaneously
- 平行線をたどる: to remain at a stalemate (a discussion where two sides never meet, like parallel lines)
RELATED TERMS:
- 垂直: perpendicular, vertical
- 並行: concurrent, simultaneous (the variant spelling preferred for the "simultaneous" meaning)
NOTE:
平行 and 並行 are homophones. 平行 emphasizes the geometric sense; 並行 is preferred for "concurrent" or "alongside."