経度

• Reading: けいど
• Romaji: keido
• Kanji breakdown: 経 (kei/kyou) — longitude, warp, sutra; 度 (do) — degree, measure
• Pronunciation: /ke.i.do/

Meaning

Longitude. The angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.

Used together with 緯度 (latitude) to pinpoint locations on the globe. Measured in degrees from 0° at the Prime Meridian to 180°. Japan is located at approximately 135° East longitude. Standard in geography education and navigation.

Examples

1. 日本の標準時は東経135度を基準にしている。 Japan's standard time is based on 135 degrees east longitude.
2. 経度の違いで時差が生まれる。 Differences in longitude create time zone differences.
3. 経度を調べれば、その場所がどの時間帯にあるかわかる。 If you look up the longitude, you can find out what time zone a place is in.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, navigation, science

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 経 (kei, longitude/warp) and 度 (do, degree). The character 経 originally meant vertical threads in weaving, applied to vertical lines on a map.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal