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.
A transparent object with flat surfaces that separates white light into a spectrum or reflects/refracts light.
The standard loanword for an optical prism, used in physics, photography, and everyday language.
プリズムを通った光が虹色に分かれた。
The light passing through the prism split into rainbow colors.
A technical term for a triangular prism, mainly used in specialized optics or older texts.
三棱鏡を使って光の屈折を観察した。
We observed the refraction of light using a triangular prism.
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.
歴史を現代の価値観というプリズムを通して見るべきではない。
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.
彼はすべてを疑いのプリズムで見ている。
He sees everything through the prism of doubt.
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.
三角柱の体積を計算してください。
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.
The base of this prism is a regular hexagon.