Translation guide
The English word "chain" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a physical chain, a series of connected things, a business chain, and a chain of events. It also includes related expressions like bicycle chain and chain reaction.
A series of metal rings connected together, used for fastening, pulling, or as jewelry.
The most common word for a metal chain. Can refer to chains of any size, from large industrial chains to small jewelry chains.
犬を鎖でつないでください。
Please chain the dog up.
彼は金の鎖のネックレスをしている。
He is wearing a gold chain necklace.
Loanword from English. Often used for specific types of chains, such as bicycle chains, or in compound words. Less common for general chains than 鎖.
自転車のチェーンが外れた。
The bicycle chain came off.
A sequence of items, people, or events linked together.
Refers to a chain of events or things that are linked in a cause-and-effect or sequential relationship. Often used in compound words like 連鎖反応 (chain reaction).
その事故は悲劇の連鎖を引き起こした。
The accident set off a chain of tragedies.
Means 'a series' or 'a chain' of related events or actions. Often used in news or formal contexts.
Literally 'a continuation of ~'. Used to describe a chain or series of similar events or things.
失敗の連続で落ち込んでいる。
I'm depressed by this chain of failures.
A group of stores or businesses owned by the same company.
The standard term for a business chain. Often combined with the type of business, e.g., ファストフードチェーン (fast food chain).
あのコンビニは全国チェーンだ。
That convenience store is a nationwide chain.
このホテルチェーンは世界中に展開している。
This hotel chain operates worldwide.
Specifically refers to a chain store or outlet. チェーン alone can refer to the chain as a whole, while チェーン店 emphasizes an individual store.
A system in which people or things are ranked one above the other.
Refers to the chain of command, especially in military or organizational contexts.
軍隊では指揮系統が厳格だ。
In the military, the chain of command is strict.
Another term for chain of command, emphasizing the flow of orders.
命令系統を無視してはいけない。
You must not ignore the chain of command.
A series of events, each caused by the previous one.
The standard term for chain reaction, used in both scientific and figurative contexts.
核分裂が連鎖反応を引き起こす。
Nuclear fission causes a chain reaction.
彼の辞任が連鎖反応を招いた。
His resignation triggered a chain reaction.
A series of connected mountains.
The standard word for a mountain range or chain of mountains.
ヒマラヤ山脈は世界最高峰の連なりだ。
The Himalayan mountain chain is the highest in the world.
Refers to a range or chain of peaks, often used in mountain names.
The chain that transfers power from the pedals to the wheel.
The most common term for a bicycle chain. Often used with 自転車の (bicycle's) for clarity.
自転車のチェーンに油をさした。
I oiled the bicycle chain.
A message sent to multiple people asking them to forward it.
The standard term for chain email or chain message. Can also be used for chain letters in general.
チェーンメールを無視してください。
Please ignore chain letters.
Literally 'letter of misfortune'. Refers to the old-fashioned chain letter that threatened bad luck if not forwarded. Now mostly historical.
昔、不幸の手紙が流行った。
Chain letters used to be popular.
鎖 (くさり) is the native Japanese word for chain and is used for most physical chains, including jewelry. チェーン is a loanword and is more common for specific types like bicycle chains, business chains, or in compound words. For a general metal chain, 鎖 is more natural.
鎖で門を閉める
to close the gate with a chain
チェーン店で買い物する
to shop at a chain store
When 'chain' means a series of events, avoid directly translating it as 鎖. Instead, use words like 連鎖 (れんさ) or 一連 (いちれん), or patterns like 〜の連続 (れんぞく). Using 鎖 for abstract chains sounds unnatural.
一連の出来事
a chain of events
犬が鎖を切って逃げ出した。
The dog broke its chain and ran away.
彼女は首に銀の鎖をかけていた。
She wore a silver chain around her neck.
スーパーマーケットチェーンが新店舗をオープンしている。
A chain of supermarkets is opening new stores.
その事故が危機につながる一連の出来事を引き起こした。
The accident caused a chain of events that led to the crisis.
警察は一連の事件を捜査している。
The police are investigating the chain of incidents.
この通りにはチェーン店ばかりだ。
This street is full of chain stores.
北アルプス連峰は登山者に人気だ。
The Northern Alps chain is popular with climbers.