Meaning and Usage
The word 系統 (けいとう) primarily means "system" or "lineage/genealogy." It is used both in technical contexts, such as computer systems or classification systems, and in biological or familial contexts to refer to lineage or ancestry.
Common Contexts
- In technology, 系統 often refers to a system or framework, such as a computer system or an organizational system.
- In biology or genealogy, it refers to a lineage, family line, or classification group.
Collocations and Patterns
- 最新の系統 (さいしんのけいとう): latest system or latest lineage
- 系統に生まれる (けいとうにうまれる): to be born into a lineage
- 同じ系統 (おなじけいとう): same system or same lineage
Register and Nuance
系統 is a formal word often used in written language, academic, scientific, or technical contexts. It is less common in casual conversation unless discussing family lineage or technical systems.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 系統 with 系列 (けいれつ), which means "series" or "sequence." 系統 emphasizes a system or lineage, while 系列 focuses on a sequence or series of related items.
Understanding the context will help you choose the correct word.