1.
outline; contour; silhouette
The outer edge or boundary line of a shape or figure. Used for physical outlines of objects, faces, and landscapes.
山の輪郭がはっきり見える。
The outline of the mountain is clearly visible.
暗がりの中で人の輪郭がぼんやりと浮かんだ。
A person's silhouette faintly emerged in the darkness.
アイラインで目の輪郭を強調する。
Emphasize the contour of the eyes with eyeliner.
2.
outline; general framework
The broad structure or main points of a plan, idea, or concept, without going into fine detail.
計画の輪郭が見えてきた。
The outline of the plan is becoming clear.
まずは全体の輪郭をつかんでから、細部に入ろう。
Let's grasp the overall outline first, then get into the details.
議論を重ねるうちに、新しい制度の輪郭がだんだん明らかになってきた。
Through repeated discussions, the outline of the new system gradually became clear.
Compound of 輪 (ring, circle) + 郭 (enclosure, outline). Both senses share the idea of an outer boundary that defines a shape.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 輪郭がはっきりする (the outline becomes clear)
- 輪郭がぼやける (the outline blurs)
- 輪郭を描く (to draw an outline)
- 輪郭をつかむ (to grasp the outline)
- 顔の輪郭 (contour of the face)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 概要: summary, overview (focuses on content, not shape)
- 外形: external shape, form (more technical)
- シルエット: silhouette (loanword, specifically a dark shape against light)