通信衛星

• Reading: つうしんえいせい
• Romaji: tsuushin eisei
• Kanji breakdown: 通 (tsuu) — pass through; 信 (shin) — message, trust; 衛 (ei) — guard, protect; 星 (sei) — star
• Pronunciation: /t͡sɯː.ɕiɴ.eː.seː/

Meaning

Communication satellite; Broadcast Satellite (BS). A satellite used for relaying telecommunications and broadcasting signals.

A compound noun: 通信 (tsuushin, communication/telecommunications) + 衛星 (eisei, satellite). Refers to artificial satellites used for relaying TV broadcasts, telephone signals, internet data, and other communications. In Japan, BS (Broadcasting Satellite) channels are received via communication satellites and are distinct from terrestrial broadcasting. Common collocations include 通信衛星を打ち上げる (to launch a communication satellite) and 通信衛星放送 (satellite broadcasting).

Examples

1. 新しい通信衛星が来月打ち上げられる予定だ。 A new communication satellite is scheduled to be launched next month.
2. 通信衛星のおかげで離島でもテレビが見られる。 Thanks to communication satellites, TV can be watched even on remote islands.
3. 災害時に通信衛星が重要な役割を果たした。 Communication satellites played an important role during the disaster.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, media, science

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

A compound of two Sino-Japanese words: 通信 (tsuushin; 通 'pass through' + 信 'message') + 衛星 (eisei; 衛 'guard/protect' + 星 'star'). The term 衛星 was coined as a translation of 'satellite' — literally 'a guarding star' orbiting a planet.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal