1.
electric wire, power line
A wire or cable used to transmit electricity. Includes both overhead power lines and electrical wiring.
電線 refers to wires or cables that carry electricity, including both overhead power lines and building wiring.
Forms
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.