Translation guide
The English word "parallel" covers several distinct concepts: geometric lines that never meet, things happening at the same time, similarity or analogy, and electrical circuits. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Describing lines, planes, or objects that are side by side and never meet.
The standard term for geometric parallelism. Used for lines, planes, and also metaphorically for things that run alongside each other without intersecting.
この二本の線は平行です。
These two lines are parallel.
平行な直線は決して交わらない。
Parallel straight lines never intersect.
Often used for things that run alongside each other, like roads or railways. Can imply 'running parallel' rather than strict geometric parallelism.
線路と道路が並行している。
The railway and the road run parallel.
Describing two or more events happening at the same time.
Means 'simultaneous' or 'at the same time'. Often used with に (に) to mean 'in parallel' or 'concurrently'.
二つの会議が同時に行われた。
Two meetings were held in parallel.
彼は二つのプロジェクトを同時に進めている。
He is working on two projects in parallel.
Can also mean 'concurrent' or 'parallel' in the sense of doing multiple things at once.
Loanword from English, used in technical or computing contexts (e.g., parallel processing).
Drawing a comparison between two things that are similar in some way.
Means 'similarity' or 'analogy'. Used to point out parallels between situations, ideas, etc.
この二つの事件には多くの類似点がある。
There are many parallels between these two incidents.
Means 'common point' or 'parallel'. Used when highlighting shared characteristics.
A simple way to say 'is similar' or 'parallels'. Often used in casual conversation.
彼の経験は私のと似ている。
His experience parallels mine.
Describing a parallel circuit where components are connected across common points.
The standard term for 'parallel' in electrical circuits. Contrasts with 直列 (series).
抵抗を並列に接続する。
Connect the resistors in parallel.
並列回路
parallel circuit
Referring to parallel data transmission or processing.
Describing a parallel turn in skiing or snowboarding.
Loanword used specifically for parallel turns in skiing.
パラレルターンを練習する。
Practice parallel turns.
平行 (へいこう) is primarily geometric. 並行 (へいこう) often implies 'running alongside' or 'concurrent'. 並列 (へいれつ) is used for electrical circuits and computing. Do not confuse them.
The phrase 'parallel universe' is usually translated as 並行宇宙 (へいこううちゅう) or パラレルワールド, not 平行宇宙. パラレルワールド is more common in pop culture.
その道は川と並行している。
The road runs parallel to the river.
彼は二つの理論の類似点を指摘した。
He drew a parallel between the two theories.
二つのシステムは同時に作動する。
The two systems operate in parallel.
仕事と勉強を並行して行う。
To work and study in parallel.
パラレル処理
parallel processing
両者の間にはいくつかの共通点が見られる。
Several parallels can be seen between the two.
並列コンピューティング
parallel computing