天体望遠鏡

• Reading: てんたいぼうえんきょう
• Romaji: tentaibouenkyou
• Kanji breakdown: 天 (ten) — heaven; 体 (tai) — body; 望 (bou) — gaze, hope; 遠 (en) — far; 鏡 (kyou) — mirror, lens
• Pronunciation: /teɴ.tai.boː.eɴ.kʲoː/

Meaning

Astronomical telescope. A telescope designed for observing celestial objects.

A noun combining 天体 (tentai, celestial body) and 望遠鏡 (bouenkyou, telescope). Specifically refers to telescopes used for astronomy, as opposed to other types like opera glasses or binoculars. A popular gift for children interested in science and a standard piece of equipment at school observatories. Distinguished from 双眼鏡 (sougankyou, binoculars) which is for general use.

Examples

1. 誕生日に天体望遠鏡をもらった。 I got an astronomical telescope for my birthday.
2. 天体望遠鏡で土星の輪を見ることができた。 I was able to see Saturn's rings through the astronomical telescope.
3. 学校の屋上に天体望遠鏡が設置されている。 An astronomical telescope is set up on the school rooftop.

Usage Guide

Context: astronomy, hobbies, science education

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 天体 (tentai, celestial body) + 望遠鏡 (bouenkyou, telescope). 望 (bou, gaze afar) + 遠 (en, far) + 鏡 (kyou, mirror/lens) — literally 'a lens for gazing at distant heavenly bodies.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal