アンテナ
あんてな
noun
antenna; feeler; sensitivity to trends
1.
antenna; aerial
A device for receiving or transmitting radio, television, or other electromagnetic signals.
屋根にアンテナを付けた。
We installed an antenna on the roof.
テレビのアンテナの調子が悪くて、映りが悪い。
The TV antenna isn't working well, so the reception is poor.
台風で衛星アンテナが倒れてしまった。
The satellite dish was knocked over by the typhoon.
2.
feeler; antenna for information; sensitivity to trends
Figuratively, one's ability or effort to pick up on new information, trends, or opportunities. Very common in everyday Japanese.
常にアンテナを張っておくことが大事だ。
It's important to always keep your feelers out.
彼女は流行に対するアンテナが高い。
She has a keen sense for trends.
いろいろな分野にアンテナを張って情報を集めるようにしている。
I try to keep my antenna up across various fields to gather information.
From English/Portuguese "antenna." While the literal meaning (sense 1) is straightforward, the figurative sense (sense 2) is extremely common in daily Japanese and is often the more important meaning for learners to know.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- アンテナを張る — to put out one's feelers; to stay alert for information
- アンテナが高い — to be sensitive to trends; to be well-informed
- アンテナを立てる — to put up an antenna (literal); to tune in (figurative)
- 衛星アンテナ — satellite antenna/dish
- アンテナショップ — antenna shop (a shop showcasing regional products in a city)
CULTURAL NOTE:
アンテナショップ are retail outlets, often in Tokyo, run by regional governments to promote local products and tourism. The name comes from the idea of the shop serving as an "antenna" to gauge consumer interest.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 感度 — sensitivity; used for both literal signal sensitivity and figurative awareness
- 嗅覚 — sense of smell; figuratively, a nose for something (trends, business)