Translation guide
The English word "alignment" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: physical arrangement in a straight line, agreement or alliance between groups, and mechanical adjustment of parts. It also touches on niche uses like wheel alignment and typographic alignment.
Describing objects or people positioned in a straight line or properly lined up.
Refers to things or people being lined up in an orderly row or formation. Often used for troops, students, or objects.
The students entered in alignment.
Literally 'to line up in a straight line.' Emphasizes the straightness of the alignment.
Please arrange the desks in alignment.
Refers to the layout or arrangement of things, often in a planned way. Can imply alignment but is broader.
I changed the alignment of the furniture.
When people, groups, or ideas are in harmony, agreement, or working together toward a common goal.
Cooperation or coordination between parties. Often used in business or organizational contexts.
Alignment between departments is important.
Agreement or concurrence of opinions, goals, or interests. Emphasizes being in accord.
Idiom meaning 'to fall into step' or 'to act in concert.' Used when people coordinate their actions or opinions.
Alliance or union, often political or military. Stronger than mere agreement.
Adjusting parts of a machine or system so they are in correct relative positions.
General term for adjustment or tuning. Covers alignment of mechanical parts, settings, etc.
The headlights need alignment.
Positioning adjustment, often used in technical contexts like aligning parts or images.
Centering or alignment of shafts, pipes, etc. Technical term used in engineering.
Precisely align the motor shaft.
Specifically adjusting the angles of wheels on a vehicle.
Loanword from English, commonly used in automotive contexts. Often part of 'ホイールアライメント'.
I got an alignment after changing the tires.
How text is aligned horizontally on a page or screen.
整列 implies an orderly formation, often of people or things in rows. 一直線に並ぶ emphasizes the straight line aspect and can be used for objects or people. For simple physical alignment, 一直線に並ぶ is more direct.
I aligned the books on the shelf in a straight line.
English 'alignment' is often used abstractly (e.g., 'alignment of interests'). Japanese often uses more specific terms like 一致 or 連携. Avoid directly translating 'alignment' as 整列 unless it's about physical lining up.
Our goals are in alignment.
The whole team worked on the project in alignment.
二国間の同盟が強化された。
The alignment between the two countries was strengthened.
We perform plate alignment before printing.
Full term for wheel alignment. Used in technical or service contexts.
Please adjust the wheel alignment.