1.
windmill; wind turbine; wind-powered device
A large structure with blades that rotate in the wind, used historically for grinding grain or pumping water, and now for generating electricity. Distinct from the toy pinwheel (風車).
オランダは風車で有名だ。
The Netherlands is famous for its windmills.
風力発電の風車が丘の上に並んでいる。
Wind turbines are lined up on top of the hill.
この地域では、風車を使って地下水を汲み上げる仕組みが昔から使われてきた。
In this area, a system of using windmills to pump up groundwater has been used since ancient times.
風車 refers to large wind-powered structures — both traditional windmills used for grinding grain or pumping water, and modern wind turbines for generating electricity.
READING NOTE:
The same kanji can also be read as かざぐるま, which means a toy pinwheel. The reading ふうしゃ always refers to the large structure, while かざぐるま refers to the small toy. Be careful not to confuse the two readings.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 風車小屋: windmill building
- 風力発電の風車: wind power turbine
- 風車が回る: the windmill turns/spins
CULTURE:
Japan has invested heavily in wind power, and 風力発電の風車 (wind turbines) are a common sight in coastal and mountainous areas.
Related Words
Contrast:
風車