Translation guide
The English word 'prism' refers to a transparent optical object with flat surfaces that refract light, or metaphorically to something that distorts or clarifies a perspective. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is プリズム (purizumu), a loanword used in both scientific and everyday contexts.
optical prism
geometric prism
A transparent object with flat surfaces that separates white light into a spectrum or reflects/refracts light.
A way of thinking about or viewing something that affects how it is understood, often implying distortion or a particular perspective.
A common metaphorical pattern meaning 'through the prism of ~'. It is used to describe viewing something from a particular perspective or bias.
We should not view history through the prism of modern values.
Another metaphorical expression meaning 'to see through the prism of ~'. Slightly less common than 〜を通して.
A solid geometric figure with two identical ends and flat sides.
The standard mathematical term for a prism in geometry. It refers to a polyhedron with two parallel congruent polygonal bases.
Please calculate the volume of the triangular prism.
The loanword is also used in geometry, especially in contexts influenced by English textbooks or when referring to optical prisms that have geometric shapes.
Use プリズム for optical prisms and metaphorical uses. Use 角柱 strictly for geometric solids. In geometry, プリズム is sometimes used but 角柱 is more precise and common in Japanese math education.
We observed the refraction of light using a triangular prism.
He sees everything through the prism of doubt.
このプリズムの底面は正六角形です。
The base of this prism is a regular hexagon.