Translation guide
The English word 'linear' has several distinct meanings. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean a straight line, a sequential relationship, a mathematical function, or a way of thinking.
Describing something that forms or follows a straight line, such as a path, arrangement, or motion.
The most common and natural way to say 'linear' in the sense of 'straight-line-like'. Used for movement, arrangement, or shape.
この道路は直線的だ。
This road is linear (straight).
彼のキャリアは直線的に伸びた。
His career progressed in a linear fashion.
Often used in technical contexts like 'linear motion' or 'linear shape', but can sound slightly more formal or mathematical.
線形の動きを制御する。
Control linear motion.
Loanword from English, used mainly in compound terms like 'linear motor' (リニアモーター) or in brand names. Not used as a general adjective.
リニアモーターカーは超高速だ。
The linear motor car is super fast.
Describing a process, narrative, or relationship that proceeds in a step-by-step, non-branching order.
Also used for sequential progression, implying a straightforward, uninterrupted flow.
物語は直線的に進む。
The story progresses linearly.
Literally 'one-directional', emphasizing that the process doesn't branch or loop back.
このシステムは一方向の処理しかできない。
This system can only handle linear (one-way) processing.
Means 'sequential' or 'successive'. More formal and often used in technical or business contexts.
データは順次的に処理される。
Data is processed in a linear (sequential) manner.
Relating to a straight line on a graph, or a function/equation of degree one.
The standard term in mathematics for 'linear'. Used in 'linear equation', 'linear function', etc.
線形方程式を解く。
Solve a linear equation.
このグラフは線形の関係を示している。
This graph shows a linear relationship.
Means 'first-degree' or 'linear' in the context of equations and functions. Often used in '一次関数' (linear function).
一次関数のグラフは直線になる。
The graph of a linear function becomes a straight line.
Sometimes used in technical fields like 'linear programming' (リニアプログラミング), but 線形 is more common.
Describing a way of thinking that is direct, logical, and perhaps lacking in creativity or lateral thinking.
Can describe thinking that goes straight from A to B without deviation. Often carries a slightly negative nuance of being unimaginative.
彼の考え方は直線的すぎる。
His way of thinking is too linear.
Means 'logical'. While not a direct translation of 'linear', it captures the step-by-step, cause-and-effect aspect.
直線的 (chokusenteki) is the general adjective for 'linear' in everyday contexts (straight lines, sequential progress, thinking). 線形 (senkei) is primarily a mathematical/technical term. Use 直線的 for most non-mathematical situations.
The loanword リニア (rinia) is not a general-purpose adjective. It is mainly used in specific compound nouns like リニアモーター (linear motor) or リニア新幹線 (Linear Shinkansen). Using it to describe a linear process or thinking will sound unnatural.
Linear programming is one of the optimization methods.
彼女は非常に論理的な思考をする。
She thinks in a very linear (logical) way.
Means 'monotonous' or 'unvarying'. Can be used to criticize linear thinking that lacks flexibility.
彼の一本調子な考え方には驚くよ。
I'm surprised by his linear (monotonous) way of thinking.