からくり
からくり
noun
mechanism; trick; device
1.
mechanism, device, contraption
A mechanical device or mechanism, especially one with clever or intricate workings.
からくり人形を見た。
I saw a mechanical puppet.
この時計のからくりは複雑だ。
The mechanism of this clock is complex.
江戸時代のからくり技術は驚くほど精巧だった。
The mechanical technology of the Edo period was surprisingly sophisticated.
2.
trick, secret, hidden mechanism
A hidden trick or secret behind something that seems puzzling or mysterious.
事件のからくりがわかった。
I figured out the trick behind the incident.
安さの裏にはからくりがある。
There's a trick behind the low price.
彼のマジックのからくりを見破ることができなかった。
I couldn't figure out the secret behind his magic trick.
Also written as 絡繰 or 絡繰り.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- からくり人形: mechanical puppet/automaton
- からくり時計: mechanical clock (with moving figures)
- からくりを見破る: to see through a trick
- からくりがわかる: to understand the mechanism/trick
CULTURE: からくり人形 are traditional Japanese mechanical puppets from the 江戸時代. The most famous type is the 茶運び人形 (tea-serving doll), which carries a cup of tea to a guest and returns when the cup is placed back.