Den-gen refers to either the electrical power source or the switch used to turn a device on or off.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the source of electrical energy.
- Commonly used to describe the power switch.
- Essential for operating electronic devices like PCs.
概要
電源（でんげん）は、電気エネルギーを供給する源、またはその供給を制御する装置を指す言葉です。物理的なエネルギー源（コンセントやバッテリー）と、操作パネル上のスイッチの両方の意味で使われます。2) 使用パターン: 「電源を入れる」「電源を切る」という動詞との組み合わせが非常に一般的です。また、機器の状態を説明する際に「電源が入っている」「電源が落ちた」のように使われます。3) 一般的な文脈: 日常生活では、PCやスマートフォンのバッテリー残量や、家電のスイッチ操作で頻繁に登場します。オフィスでは「電源を確保する（コンセントを探す）」といった文脈でも使われます。4) 類似語との比較: 「コンセント」は差し込み口そのものを指しますが、「電源」はより広義に電気の供給源全体や機能そのものを指します。「バッテリー」は蓄電された装置を指すため、電源の一種ですが、壁のコンセントを指す場合には「バッテリー」とは言いません。
Examples
パソコンの電源を入れてください。
everydayPlease turn on the power of the computer.
会議中はスマートフォンの電源をお切りください。
formalPlease turn off your smartphone during the meeting.
あ、電源切るの忘れた！
informalOh, I forgot to turn off the power!
システムの電源供給を安定させる必要がある。
academicIt is necessary to stabilize the power supply of the system.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
電源が入らない
Power won't turn on
電源を落とす
Shut down (system)
電源ボタン
Power button
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to the wall socket. Dengen is the broader category of energy source.
Refers to the storage device itself. Dengen is the functional status of power.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Dengen is a neutral, highly common noun used in both technical and casual settings. It is essential to pair it with 'ireru' or 'kiru' to form a complete action. In formal settings, 'o-kiri kudasai' is the standard polite form.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use 'dengen' as a verb, such as 'dengen-suru'. Another mistake is using 'kesu' (to erase/extinguish) instead of 'kiru' (to cut/switch off) for power.
Tips
Use with On and Off verbs
Always pair 'dengen' with 'ireru' (to turn on) or 'kiru' (to turn off). These are the most common collocations you will encounter daily.
Do not use as a verb
Remember that 'dengen' is strictly a noun. You cannot say 'dengen-suru' to mean 'to power on'.
Power outlets in Japan
In Japan, finding a 'dengen' (outlet) in cafes is becoming more common, but always look for signs before plugging in your laptop.
Word Origin
Derived from 'Den' (electricity) and 'Gen' (source/origin). It represents the origin point of electrical current for a device.
Cultural Context
In Japan, signs saying '電源使用禁止' (Power usage prohibited) are common in public spaces. Understanding this term helps you navigate public facility rules.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Den' (electricity) + 'Gen' (source). It is the 'source of electricity' that you must 'cut' (kiru) or 'insert' (ireru) into your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions意味は同じですが、「落とす」はPCやサーバーなど、システムを終了させる際に少し専門的なニュアンスで使われることが多いです。日常的な家電には「切る」が一般的です。
コンセントは電源の一種ですが、電源という言葉はバッテリーや発電機なども含めたより広い概念です。文脈により使い分けが必要です。
機器が正常に動かない、または電気を受け取れていない状態を指します。故障やバッテリー切れの際によく使われる表現です。
いいえ、名詞です。「電源する」とは言いません。「電源を入れる」のように動詞と組み合わせて使用します。
Test Yourself
パソコンを使うために、まず___を入れてください。
「電源を入れる」が正しい慣用句です。
次のうち、正しい表現はどれですか？
電源の操作には「入れる・切る」という動詞を使います。
（電源 / 入れて / ください / を）
「電源を＋入れる＋てください」の語順が自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
Den-gen refers to either the electrical power source or the switch used to turn a device on or off.
- Refers to the source of electrical energy.
- Commonly used to describe the power switch.
- Essential for operating electronic devices like PCs.
Use with On and Off verbs
Always pair 'dengen' with 'ireru' (to turn on) or 'kiru' (to turn off). These are the most common collocations you will encounter daily.
Do not use as a verb
Remember that 'dengen' is strictly a noun. You cannot say 'dengen-suru' to mean 'to power on'.
Power outlets in Japan
In Japan, finding a 'dengen' (outlet) in cafes is becoming more common, but always look for signs before plugging in your laptop.
Examples
4 of 4パソコンの電源を入れてください。
Please turn on the power of the computer.
会議中はスマートフォンの電源をお切りください。
Please turn off your smartphone during the meeting.
あ、電源切るの忘れた！
Oh, I forgot to turn off the power!
システムの電源供給を安定させる必要がある。
It is necessary to stabilize the power supply of the system.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
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