Technology and Innovation Vocabulary
This lesson presents a curated set of 15–20 N2-level vocabulary items commonly encountered in discussions about technology, digital innovation, and scientific advancement. Each term includes kanji, reading, English meaning, and an example sentence to reinforce usage in context.
🎯 Goal: Learn N2 vocabulary related to technology and innovation.
Lesson Content
Learning Goal
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to recognize and use 20 N2-level vocabulary words related to technology and innovation. You will understand how these words describe processes, relationships, and qualities in modern tech contexts.
Concept
Technology and innovation vocabulary in Japanese often uses kanji compounds that describe:
- Relationships between systems (相互 sōgo - mutual, 直結 chokketsu - direct link)
- Changes and processes (短縮 tanshuku - shortening, 省略 shōryaku - omission)
- Qualities and states (知的 chiteki - intellectual, 着実 chakujitsu - steady)
These words help you discuss how technology works, how systems interact, and how innovations develop.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. Relationship and Connection Words
| Word | Reading | Meaning | Tech Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 直結 | ちょっけつ (chokketsu) | direct connection | データベースに直結する (connect directly to the database) |
| 相互 | そうご (sōgo) | mutual, reciprocal | 相互通信 (mutual communication) |
| 相対的 | そうたいてき (sōtaiteki) | relative | 相対的な速度 (relative speed) |
| 相性 | あいしょう (aishō) | compatibility | ソフトの相性 (software compatibility) |
| 相違 | そうい (sōi) | difference, discrepancy | データの相違 (data discrepancy) |
2. Process and Sequence Words
| Word | Reading | Meaning | Tech Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 省略 | しょうりゃく (shōryaku) | omission, abbreviation | 手順を省略する (omit a step) |
| 相次いで | あいついで (aitsuide) | one after another | 更新が相次いで行われる (updates occur one after another) |
| 着々と | ちゃくちゃくと (chakuchaku to) | steadily | 開発が着々と進む (development progresses steadily) |
| 着実 | ちゃくじつ (chakujitsu) | steady, reliable | 着実な進歩 (steady progress) |
| 短期間 | たんきかん (tankikan) | short term | 短期間で完成 (completed in a short time) |
| 短縮 | たんしゅく (tanshuku) | shortening, reduction | 時間を短縮する (shorten time) |
3. Quality and State Words
| Word | Reading | Meaning | Tech Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 直立 | ちょくりつ (chokuritsu) | standing upright | 直立型ロボット (upright robot) |
| 相応 | そうおう (sōō) | suitable, appropriate | 能力に相応しい (suitable for the ability) |
| 真っ白 | まっしろ (masshiro) | pure white | 画面が真っ白になる (screen goes pure white) |
| 真の | しんの (shin no) | true, genuine | 真のイノベーション (true innovation) |
| 知的 | ちてき (chiteki) | intellectual | 知的財産 (intellectual property) |
| 眠い | ねむい (nemui) | sleepy | 眠くなる作業 (sleep-inducing work) |
4. Action Words
| Word | Reading | Meaning | Tech Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 真似る | まねる (maneru) | to mimic, imitate | AIが人間を真似る (AI mimics humans) |
| 看護 | かんご (kango) | nursing | 看護ロボット (nursing robot) |
| 真っ先 | まっさき (massaki) | the very front, first | 真っ先に試す (try first) |
Mini Examples
Example 1: System Integration
このシステムはデータベースに直結している。
Kono shisutemu wa dētābēsu ni chokketsu shiteiru.
This system is directly connected to the database.
Example 2: Steady Progress
開発は着々と進み、短期間で完成した。
Kaihatsu wa chakuchaku to susumi, tankikan de kansei shita.
Development progressed steadily and was completed in a short time.
Example 3: Compatibility Issues
ソフトウェアの相性が悪くて、エラーが出た。
Sofutowea no aishō ga warukute, erā ga deta.
The software compatibility was bad, so an error occurred.
Example 4: True Innovation
これは真のイノベーションとは言えない。
Kore wa shin no inobēshon to wa ienai.
This cannot be called true innovation.
Common Mistake
❌ Confusing 相性 (aishō) and 相違 (sōi)
- 相性 means "compatibility" (how well things work together)
- 相違 means "difference" or "discrepancy"
Wrong: 二つのシステムの相性を確認する (when you mean "check the difference")
Correct: 二つのシステムの相違を確認する (check the difference between two systems)
Correct: ソフトとハードの相性を確認する (check the compatibility between software and hardware)
Quick Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
-
この新技術は、従来の方法と___がある。(This new technology has a ___ from the conventional method.)
→ Answer: 相違 (sōi) -
プロジェクトは___と進んでいる。(The project is progressing ___)
→ Answer: 着々 (chakuchaku) -
AIは人間の動きを___ことができる。(AI can ___ human movements.)
→ Answer: 真似る (maneru) -
この機能は___な財産として保護される。(This function is protected as ___ property.)
→ Answer: 知的 (chiteki)
Summary and Next Step
You've learned 20 N2 vocabulary words related to technology and innovation. These words help you describe:
- How systems connect (直結, 相互, 相性)
- How processes unfold (省略, 着々, 短縮)
- What qualities things have (知的, 真の, 着実)
Next Step: Practice using these words in sentences about real technology topics you're interested in—smartphones, AI, or software development. Try writing 3-5 sentences using words from each category.
Practice Drills
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Lesson Materials
Vocabulary (55)
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