Translation guide
The English word "node" covers several distinct concepts: a point of connection in a network, a point on a plant stem where leaves grow, a small lump or swelling, and a point of intersection in geometry. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese term for each meaning.
A point in a network, graph, or system where connections meet, such as in computer networks, data structures, or transportation.
The most common and direct translation for 'node' in technical contexts like computer networks, graph theory, and data structures. It is a loanword from English and widely understood.
Each node is connected to the network.
This graph has five nodes.
A more formal or academic term for 'node' in graph theory, networks, or structural analysis. Often used in mathematics and engineering.
Calculate the distance between nodes.
Literally 'connection point', used in some technical contexts like transportation networks or anatomical nodes. Less common than ノード.
It's an important city as a transportation node.
The part of a plant stem from which leaves, branches, or aerial roots grow.
The standard botanical term for a node on a plant stem. Also used for joints in bamboo or other segmented plants.
Leaves grow from the nodes of the stem.
Bamboo nodes are hard.
Sometimes used in botany as a loanword, especially in academic contexts, but 節 is more common.
A small mass of tissue, such as a lymph node, or a localized swelling.
Medical term for a nodule or node, such as a lymph node or a small lump in tissue. Often used in compound words.
Swollen lymph nodes may be a sign of infection.
General term for a lump or mass, often used by patients or in everyday language. Not as precise as 結節 but commonly understood.
Occasionally used in medical contexts as a loanword, e.g., 'lymph node' is often リンパ節, but リンパノード is also seen.
A point at which lines or pathways intersect or branch.
The point where two lines, curves, or paths intersect. Used in geometry and general contexts.
Find the intersection point of the two lines.
Used in graph theory or structural engineering for a node where members meet, but can also refer to a geometric node.
A point along a standing wave where the wave has minimum amplitude.
In physics, the point of zero amplitude in a standing wave. The same kanji as the botanical node but read differently (ふし vs. せつ).
At the nodes of a standing wave, the amplitude is zero.
Also used in physics as a loanword, especially in educational materials.
Either of the two points where an orbit crosses a reference plane.
Used for orbital nodes, such as the ascending node or descending node. Often combined with 昇交点 (ascending node) or 降交点 (descending node).
The Moon's orbit has nodes with the ecliptic.
The kanji 節 can be read as ふし or せつ depending on context. ふし is used for plant nodes, bamboo joints, and wave nodes. せつ is used in compounds like 結節 (nodule) or 節点 (node in graph theory). ノード is a safe loanword for most technical contexts, but in botany and medicine, native terms are preferred.
If you mean a central point or hub in a non-technical sense (e.g., 'a node of activity'), Japanese often uses 中心 (ちゅうしん, center) or 拠点 (きょてん, base). Do not use ノード for metaphorical nodes unless the context is clearly network-related.
New branches sprout from the plant's nodes.
甲状腺に小さな結節が見つかりました。
A small nodule was found in the thyroid gland.
I found a lump on my neck.
sentinel lymph node biopsy
Force is applied to the nodes of the truss structure.
Measure the positions of the wave nodes.