リニア
りにあ
noun; prefix
linear; maglev (train)
1.
maglev (train); linear motor train
Short for リニアモーターカー (linear motor car). Refers to magnetically levitated trains, especially Japan's planned Chuo Shinkansen maglev line connecting Tokyo and Osaka.
リニアは時速500キロ以上で走る。
The maglev train runs at over 500 km/h.
リニア中央新幹線の開業が待ち遠しい。
I can't wait for the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line to open.
リニアが開通すれば、東京から名古屋まで約40分で行けるようになる。
Once the maglev opens, it will be possible to travel from Tokyo to Nagoya in about 40 minutes.
2.
linear
Relating to or arranged in a straight line. Used as a technical prefix meaning 'linear' in compound words.
リニアな関係がある。
There is a linear relationship.
データをリニアに補間する。
To interpolate the data linearly.
リニアな思考だけでは解決できない問題もある。
There are problems that cannot be solved by linear thinking alone.
USAGE:
In everyday Japanese, リニア most commonly refers to maglev trains, specifically the planned リニア中央新幹線 (Chuo Shinkansen). In technical contexts, it retains the meaning of "linear."
CHUO SHINKANSEN:
Japan's planned maglev line connecting 品川 (Tokyo) to 名古屋 and eventually to 大阪. Using superconducting magnetic levitation technology (超電導リニア), the train would travel at over 500 km/h. The project, led by JR東海, has been a major topic in Japanese news.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- リニア新幹線: maglev shinkansen
- リニアモーターカー: linear motor car, maglev
- リニアに: linearly
- リニアな: linear (adjective)