スイッチ

• Reading: スイッチ
• Romaji: suicchi
• Pronunciation: /sɯ.it.tɕi/

Meaning

A switch; a button or lever used to turn something on or off.

A loanword from English 'switch.' Used for physical switches (light switches, power buttons) and figuratively for a mental shift or change in attitude. The phrase スイッチが入る means 'to get into gear' or 'to flip a switch mentally.'

Examples

1. 部屋に入ったらスイッチを押してください。 When you enter the room, please press the switch.
2. 彼女は試合前にスイッチが入った。 She flipped a switch before the match and got into gear.
3. このスイッチを切ると電気が消える。 If you turn off this switch, the light goes out.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, electronics, sports

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'switch.' Entered Japanese during the Meiji era with the adoption of electrical technology, and has since expanded to figurative usage.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal