Meaning and Usage
"直流" (ちょくりゅう) means "direct current," referring to electric current flowing in one constant direction. It is a technical term commonly used in electrical engineering and electronics.
Common Contexts
You will often see "直流" contrasted with "交流" (alternating current). For example, household power is usually alternating current, while batteries provide direct current.
Collocations and Patterns
- 直流電源 (ちょくりゅうでんげん): direct current power supply
- 直流モーター: direct current motor
- 直流回路: direct current circuit These collocations are frequent in technical discussions about electricity and devices.
Register and Usage Notes
"直流" is a formal, technical term and is not used in casual conversation unless discussing electronics or physics. Learners should avoid confusing it with "交流" which means alternating current.
Common Mistake
A common learner mistake is to confuse "直流" with "交流" because both relate to electric current. Remember "直流" means current flows straight in one direction, while "交流" means current changes direction periodically.