1.
all directions; every direction; omnidirectional (360-degree) coverage
"In every direction," "on all sides," or "360 degrees." Used literally for cameras, microphones, or sensors that cover all angles, and figuratively for policies, marketing, or attention directed at every possible audience or threat. It often functions as a prefix-like element in compound modifiers.
このカメラは全方位撮影ができる。
This camera can shoot in all directions.
会社は全方位外交を展開している。
The company is pursuing a policy of engagement on every front.
このロボット掃除機は、全方位のセンサーで障害物を検知する。
This robot vacuum detects obstacles with sensors covering every direction.
Compound of 全 (all) and 方位 (direction, bearing). Grammatically a noun, but most often it attaches to another noun as a modifier — 全方位カメラ, 全方位外交, and so on. Both the literal "360-degree" meaning and the figurative "broad, comprehensive" meaning are common.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 全方位カメラ: omnidirectional camera, 360-degree camera
- 全方位外交: all-directional (omnidirectional) diplomacy
- 全方位戦略: all-front strategy
- 全方位対応: response from all directions; covers every case
- 全方位に気を配る: to pay attention to everything around one
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 四方八方: in all directions, everywhere — a set idiomatic phrase, more vivid and emotional
- 360{度|さんびゃくろくじゅうど}: 360 degrees — numerical equivalent, very common in marketing copy
- 多方面: many fields, many directions — emphasizes breadth of areas rather than physical direction
- オールラウンド: all-around (loanword) — for versatility of skills rather than physical coverage