1.
electric wire, power line
A wire or cable used to transmit electricity. Includes both overhead power lines and electrical wiring.
電線に鳥がとまっている。
A bird is perching on the power line.
台風で電線が切れた。
The power line was severed by the typhoon.
この地域では電線を地下に埋める工事が進んでいる。
In this area, work is underway to bury the power lines underground.
電線 refers to wires or cables that carry electricity, including both overhead power lines and building wiring.
WORD FORMATION:
電 (electricity) + 線 (line/wire)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 電線が切れる (power line snaps)
- 電線を引く (to run electric wire)
- 電線に触る (to touch a wire — dangerous)
- 電線を地中に埋める (to bury power lines underground)
CULTURAL NOTE:
Overhead power lines and utility poles (電柱) are a characteristic feature of Japanese cities. There is an ongoing government effort called 無電柱化 (utility pole elimination) to bury lines underground.
RELATED:
- 電柱: utility pole
- 送電線: transmission line (high-voltage)
- 配線: wiring (inside buildings)