Translation guide
The main current can refer to a primary flow of water, air, or electricity, or metaphorically to the dominant trend in society, thought, or culture.
The strongest or central part of a current in a river, ocean, or air stream.
The primary electric current in a circuit, as opposed to leakage or secondary currents.
Standard technical term for main current in electrical engineering.
この回路の主電流を測定してください。
Please measure the main current of this circuit.
The prevailing direction of thought, fashion, politics, or culture.
Most common word for 'mainstream' in social, cultural, or intellectual contexts.
Both can mean 'main current' in a river, but 主流 is overwhelmingly used for 'mainstream' in society, while 本流 is more literal for rivers or orthodox traditions. In electrical contexts, neither is used; use 主電流.
Do not translate 'main current' word-for-word as メインカレント; it is not natural Japanese. Use the appropriate term based on context.
Literally 'main stream', used for the principal current of a river or the main branch of a waterway.
この川の本流は流れが速い。
The main current of this river is fast.
Can mean main current of a river, but more often used metaphorically for mainstream trends.
この川の主流は東に向かっている。
The main current of this river flows east.
Technical term for main tidal current or ocean current.
この海域の主潮流は黒潮の影響を受ける。
The main current in this sea area is influenced by the Kuroshio.
彼の意見は常に主流に逆らっている。
His opinions always go against the main current.
この考え方はもはや主流ではない。
This way of thinking is no longer the main current.
General trend or tide of the times, often used in phrases like 時代の大勢 (the current of the age).
時代の大勢に従うしかない。
We have no choice but to follow the main current of the times.
Used metaphorically for the main line or orthodox tradition in arts, thought, etc.
彼の作品は日本文学の本流に位置づけられる。
His works are positioned in the main current of Japanese literature.
Current of the times, fashion of the day; often used in business or trend analysis.
時流に乗ることが成功の鍵だ。
Riding the main current of the times is the key to success.