連鎖

• Reading: れんさ
• Romaji: rensa
• Kanji breakdown: 連 (ren) — connect, consecutive; 鎖 (sa/kusari) — chain
• Pronunciation: /ɾeɴsa/

Meaning

Chain; series; concatenation; linkage. A sequence of events or elements in which each is causally connected to the next.

A noun (also used as a suru-verb: 連鎖する) describing events, reactions, or consequences that are linked in a chain-like progression. Common collocations include 連鎖反応 (chain reaction), 連鎖倒産 (cascading bankruptcies), and 連鎖的に (in a chain reaction, sequentially).

Examples

1. 一つの誤りが連鎖して取り返しのつかない事態を招くことがある。 A single error can set off a chain reaction leading to an irreversible situation.
2. 企業の倒産が連鎖し、業界全体が危機に陥った。 Corporate bankruptcies cascaded one after another, plunging the entire industry into crisis.
3. 核の連鎖反応のメカニズムは高校物理で学ぶ基礎知識だ。 The mechanism of nuclear chain reactions is fundamental knowledge taught in high school physics.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, science, journalism, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 連 (connect, consecutive) and 鎖 (chain, lock). The 鎖 character depicts interlocked links, making the compound a vivid physical metaphor for causally linked sequences.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal