네트워크
A network is a group of things or people that are connected to each other.
Explanation at your level:
A network is a group of things connected together. For example, your computer is part of a network. You use a network to talk to your friends online. It is like a big web of connections.
A network is a system where many parts are linked. You can have a social network of friends or a computer network at school. It helps people or machines share information easily.
In English, we use 'network' to describe both physical and social systems. You might build a professional network to help your career. Computers also use networks, like the internet, to send data across the globe.
The term 'network' is versatile. It can refer to the infrastructure of a city, like a transport network, or the digital architecture of the web. Understanding the 'network effect' is crucial in modern business, where the value of a service increases with its user base.
Beyond the literal, 'network' is often used metaphorically to describe complex systems of influence or hidden connections. In academic discourse, one might analyze the 'network of power' within a political structure, highlighting how nodes of influence interact to shape outcomes.
Etymologically, the word signifies a 'net-like' structure, a concept that now underpins our understanding of reality, from neural networks in neuroscience to global supply chains. It represents the interconnectedness of the modern era, where the strength of a system is defined by the quality and density of its nodes.
30秒でわかる単語
- A network is a group of connected parts.
- It is used for computers, people, and systems.
- You can 'network' to meet people.
- It is a countable noun.
At its core, a network is simply a collection of interconnected points. Whether you are talking about computers, people, or even roads, the concept remains the same: it is about connection.
In the digital age, we use this word constantly to describe how our devices talk to each other. However, it is equally important in social contexts, where your professional network can help you find a job or learn new skills.
Think of a network as a map of relationships. If you remove one piece, the rest might still work, but the overall strength of the system depends on how well those connections are maintained.
The word network is a compound of two simple English words: net and work. It first appeared in the mid-16th century to describe something made of threads or cords arranged like a net.
Over time, the meaning evolved from physical objects, like fishing nets or lace, to more abstract concepts. By the 19th century, it was being used to describe railway systems, which were essentially physical networks of tracks.
The most significant shift happened in the 20th century with the rise of computing. The term was adopted to describe how machines communicate, eventually giving us the Internet, which is the ultimate network of networks.
You will hear network used in both formal business settings and casual daily conversation. In business, you might hear someone say, "I need to expand my network to find new clients."
In technology, we talk about local area networks (LANs) or Wi-Fi networks. The register is generally neutral, but it becomes technical when discussing infrastructure or computer science.
Common collocations include social network, computer network, and to network (as a verb). Using the word correctly shows you understand how systems—human or mechanical—function together.
While 'network' itself isn't always in an idiom, it is central to many expressions. 1. Old boys' network: A system of influence among people from similar backgrounds. 2. Networking event: A professional gathering to meet people. 3. Neural network: A computer system modeled on the human brain. 4. Network effect: When a product becomes more valuable as more people use it. 5. Off the grid: To be disconnected from the network.
The word network is a countable noun. You can say "a network" or "networks." In British and American English, the IPA is /ˈnɛtwɜːrk/.
The stress is on the first syllable: NET-work. It rhymes with words like perk, lurk, and work. Remember that it is a compound word, so keep the 'net' and 'work' distinct but connected in your flow.
Fun Fact
Originally used for fishing nets!
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'net' sound followed by 'work'
Slightly more r-colored 'work'
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing 'work'
- Dropping the 't'
- Wrong syllable stress
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to use
Common word
Clear sound
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
上級
Grammar to Know
Compound Nouns
Network
Pluralization
Networks
Subject-Verb Agreement
The network is...
Examples by Level
This is a computer network.
computer/network
singular noun
I have a big network.
big/network
simple present
The network is fast.
network/fast
adjective usage
Do you use a network?
question/network
interrogative
It is a good network.
good/network
article usage
We use the network.
we/use/network
subject-verb
The network is down.
network/down
phrasal status
Join the network.
join/network
imperative
The school has a new computer network.
She is building her professional network.
The train network covers the whole city.
My social network is very large.
We need to fix the network.
Is the network working today?
He found a job through his network.
The network connects all the offices.
I expanded my network by attending the conference.
The internet is a global network of computers.
Our company relies on a secure network.
He has a wide network of contacts in the industry.
The TV network broadcast the news live.
We are experiencing network issues right now.
A strong network is vital for success.
The criminal network was eventually dismantled.
The network effect makes this app very popular.
She tapped into her network to find a mentor.
The city's transport network is very efficient.
Neural networks are changing artificial intelligence.
He is well-connected within the academic network.
The power grid is a complex electrical network.
We need to optimize our network performance.
The social network of the village is very tight-knit.
The candidate leveraged his political network to secure votes.
The study explores the network of relationships in the ecosystem.
Information spreads rapidly through the network of social media.
The company's supply chain network is global.
He analyzed the network of influence in the boardroom.
The neural network mimics human decision-making.
The network of tunnels was used for smuggling.
Her research focuses on the network of neurons in the brain.
The intricate network of alliances defined the geopolitical landscape.
The architecture of the network is decentralized.
He mapped the network of historical events leading to the war.
The digital network has fundamentally altered human communication.
The network of fibers creates a very strong material.
She is a key node in the global network of scholars.
The network of nerves carries signals to the brain.
The economic network is highly volatile.
よく使う組み合わせ
Idioms & Expressions
"Old boys' network"
Exclusive group of influential men
He got the job through the old boys' network.
formal"Networking event"
Meeting people for work
I went to a networking event last night.
neutral"Network effect"
Value increases with users
The network effect is why everyone uses this app.
business"Off the grid"
Disconnected from society
He decided to live off the grid.
casual"Social butterfly"
Person with a large network
She is a social butterfly in our network.
casualEasily Confused
Shortened form
Net is a physical object; Network is the system.
A fishing net vs. a computer network.
Both imply connections
Web is often used for the internet specifically.
The World Wide Web.
Both are complex
System is broader.
A solar system.
Both are infrastructure
Grid is usually for power.
The power grid.
Sentence Patterns
I need to build my network.
I need to build my network to find a job.
The network is down.
The network is down, so I cannot work.
He has a large network.
He has a large network of contacts.
We are networking at the event.
We are networking at the conference.
The network connects everything.
The network connects all our devices.
語族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
関連
How to Use It
9
Formality Scale
よくある間違い
Networking is the act, network is the noun.
Not all networks are the internet.
Standard plural rule.
It applies to social groups as well.
Etymology is net + work.
Tips
The Net Trick
Think of a fishing net catching opportunities.
Professional Use
Use it to talk about your contacts.
Social Context
It means your circle of influence.
Verb usage
Use 'I am networking' for the action.
Stress
Always stress the first syllable.
Spelling
Remember the 'k' at the end.
Origins
It comes from literal nets.
Mind Mapping
Draw a network of words.
Tech context
Use it for Wi-Fi or LAN.
Pluralization
It is a standard noun.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
NET + WORK = A net that works for you.
Visual Association
A spiderweb connecting different dots.
Word Web
チャレンジ
List 3 people in your professional network.
語源
English
Original meaning: A net-like structure
文化的な背景
None
Used heavily in business to mean 'who you know'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Business
- Build a network
- Expand my network
- Networking event
IT
- Network connection
- Network down
- Secure network
Social
- Social network
- My network of friends
- Stay connected
Transport
- Transport network
- Rail network
- Road network
Conversation Starters
"How do you build your professional network?"
"Do you think social networks are good for us?"
"How often do you have network problems?"
"Who is in your personal network?"
"Do you like networking events?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your personal network.
Why is networking important for your career?
How has the internet changed our networks?
What would happen if the world's network failed?
よくある質問
8 問Yes, you can 'network' at a party.
Add an 's' to get 'networks'.
It is neutral and used everywhere.
Yes, it is called a social network.
No, it can be physical or social.
A type of AI.
NET-work.
Yes.
自分をテスト
I have a ___ of friends.
Network is the correct term for a group of connections.
What is a network?
A network is about connections.
A network can be social.
Social networks are very common.
Word
意味
Both are common collocations.
Subject + verb + object.
スコア： /5
Summary
A network is simply a web of connections that makes things work better together.
- A network is a group of connected parts.
- It is used for computers, people, and systems.
- You can 'network' to meet people.
- It is a countable noun.
The Net Trick
Think of a fishing net catching opportunities.
Professional Use
Use it to talk about your contacts.
Social Context
It means your circle of influence.
Verb usage
Use 'I am networking' for the action.
例文
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