Translation and Meaning of: 並列 - heiretsu

The word 「並列」(heiretsu) has an interesting meaning and is widely used in different contexts in Japan. It refers to things that are organized or arranged in a parallel or adjacent line. In everyday life, it can be used in contexts ranging from physics and design to programming and mathematics. The parallel configuration implied in the word is generally associated with the idea of symmetry and order, which reflects the etymology of the term.

Etymologically, 「並列」is composed of two kanji characters: 「並」(hei) and 「列」(retsu). The first, 「並」, means "aligned" or "in line," while the second, 「列」, translates to "row" or "line." Together, they form the idea of objects or entities that are arranged side by side in an equal, balanced, and parallel manner. In mathematics and physics, this concept is of great utility, especially in electric circuits and graph theory, where the arrangement in series or in parallel completely alters the functionality of a system.

The use of 「並列」in technological and scientific contexts is quite common. For example, in electrical circuits, the term describes the connection of electronic components arranged in such a way that the same electrical voltage is applied to each component. This arrangement is essential in many aspects of design and engineering, where redundancy and balanced load distribution are fundamental. In computing, parallel programming is another relevant application of the concept of 「並列」, involving the simultaneous execution of processes to increase efficiency and performance.

In addition to technical uses, 「並列」can also be found in more abstract or philosophical contexts. Compared to its antonym, 「直列」(chokuretsu), which refers to a series arrangement, 「並列」can symbolize harmony and cooperation, where individuals or elements operate together in an equal and synchronized manner, with none being considered more important than the other.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

並置 (へいち) - Parallel positioning; place items together.
並行 (へいこう) - Parallel execution; activities that occur simultaneously but independently.
並存 (へいぞん) - Parallel existence; coexistence of different things in the same space.
並列する (へいれつする) - Organize in parallel; arrange elements side by side.
並列している (へいれつしている) - It is in parallel; description of a situation where something is arranged side by side.