1.
circuit, circuitry
A closed path through which electric current flows, or more broadly, any loop-like pathway. Used in electronics, computing, and figuratively for neural pathways.
電気回路を組み立てる。
To assemble an electrical circuit.
回路がショートして煙が出た。
The circuit short-circuited and smoke came out.
集積回路の小型化によって、コンピューターの性能は飛躍的に向上した。
The miniaturization of integrated circuits has dramatically improved computer performance.
回路 combines 回 (go around) + 路 (path), literally a path that loops back. Primarily a technical term for electrical circuits but widely recognized.
USAGE:
Most often refers to electrical/electronic circuits. Also used figuratively for neural pathways: 脳の回路 (brain circuits). In casual speech, people say 頭の回路がおかしい to mean "something's wrong with how they think."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 電気回路: electrical circuit
- 集積回路: integrated circuit (IC)
- 回路図: circuit diagram
- 回路基板: circuit board
- 脳の回路: neural circuit/pathway
RELATED TERMS:
- 配線: wiring
- 電流: electric current