赤道

せきどう

equator

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Understanding 赤道 (chì dào)

The word 赤道 literally combines (red) and (way), but together it means 'equator,' the imaginary line around the Earth or other celestial bodies at zero latitude.

Usage in Context

赤道 is primarily used in geography and meteorology to describe the Earth's equator or similar lines on other planets. It often appears in discussions about climate, geography, and travel.

Common Collocations

  • 赤道附近 (chìdào fùjìn): near the equator, often used when describing climate or location.
  • 赤道 (fēiyuè chìdào): to fly across the equator, common in travel contexts.
  • 赤道气候 (chìdào qìhòu): equatorial climate, referring to the typical hot and humid weather near the equator.

Notes

赤道 is a formal term mostly used in scientific or educational contexts. It is not used metaphorically or in casual speech. When talking about the Earth's geography, 赤道 is the precise term to use, distinguishing it from other latitude lines.

Avoid confusing 赤道 with other words containing that mean 'way' or 'path' in different contexts; here, is part of a fixed compound meaning 'equator.'

Example Sentences

The climate near the equator is usually very hot and humid.

Passengers feel excited when the plane crosses the equator.

The equator is the imaginary line on Earth at zero degrees latitude.