Glossary
AIBO
AIBO is a series of robotic dogs designed by Sony for companionship. Owners can interact with AIBO by petting and playing, fostering a bond similar to that with a real pet.
Example:
My friend, who lives in a small apartment, enjoys the companionship of her AIBO because she can't have a real dog.
ASIMO
ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) is a famous humanoid robot developed by Honda. It is known for its advanced mobility, ability to interact with humans, and human-like features.
Example:
At the Miraikan Museum, visitors can see ASIMO demonstrate its ability to walk, run, and even recognize faces.
Considérations éthiques
The moral principles and values that must be taken into account when developing or applying scientific and technological advancements, often involving questions of right and wrong, fairness, and societal impact.
Example:
Les débats autour de la collecte de données personnelles par les entreprises technologiques soulèvent d'importantes considérations éthiques.
Conséquences sociales
The positive and negative effects that scientific and technological advancements have on human society, including changes in behavior, economy, environment, and social structures.
Example:
L'automatisation croissante dans l'industrie a des conséquences sociales significatives sur l'emploi et la formation professionnelle.
Contemporary Life (La vie contemporaine)
One of the six overarching themes of the AP French Language and Culture exam, exploring aspects of modern society, including how technology shapes daily routines, social interactions, and cultural practices.
Example:
L'utilisation omniprésente des réseaux sociaux est un aspect clé de la vie contemporaine influencé par la technologie.
FRQ (Free Response Question)
A type of question on the AP exam that requires students to write a detailed, structured response in French, demonstrating their analytical skills, vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy.
Example:
Pour réussir la section FRQ, il est essentiel de bien organiser ses idées et d'utiliser un vocabulaire varié.
Global Challenges (Défis mondiaux)
One of the six overarching themes of the AP French Language and Culture exam, focusing on issues that transcend national borders and affect humanity, often intertwined with science and technology.
Example:
La lutte contre le changement climatique est un défi mondial majeur où la technologie joue un rôle crucial.
Heated Toilet
Japanese heated toilets are advanced toilet systems known for features like a heated seat and often a small sink activated by flushing. They represent a significant innovation in bathroom technology.
Example:
During winter, the heated toilet in my hotel room in Japan was a surprisingly comforting feature.
Janken Robot
The Janken Robot is a robot developed by Japanese researchers that can win at rock-paper-scissors (janken) every time. It achieves this by using high-speed recognition and reaction to determine the opponent's hand shape in milliseconds.
Example:
It's almost impossible to beat the Janken Robot because it reacts so quickly to your hand gesture.
Jidōsha (自動車)
Jidōsha refers to motor vehicles or automobiles, encompassing cars, trucks, and buses. Japan's automotive industry is a global leader, known for its reliable and innovative vehicles, including hybrid and electric models.
Example:
The Japanese jidōsha industry is famous for brands like Toyota and Honda, which are popular worldwide.
L'avancement scientifique
Refers to the progress and development made in scientific knowledge, understanding, and capabilities over time.
Example:
L'avancement scientifique dans le domaine de la génétique a ouvert de nouvelles voies pour le traitement des maladies héréditaires.
L'innovation et la découverte
Refers to the creation of new ideas, methods, or products (innovation) and the act of finding or learning something new for the first time (discovery). These processes drive progress in various fields.
Example:
La mise au point d'un nouveau vaccin contre une maladie rare est un exemple parfait de l'innovation et la découverte scientifique.
L'éthique
A set of moral principles that govern a person's or group's behavior, especially concerning what is considered right or wrong in scientific research and technological development.
Example:
La question de savoir si l'intelligence artificielle doit prendre des décisions autonomes soulève des débats importants sur l'éthique.
La fracture numérique
Refers to the gap between those who have ready access to information and communication technologies (ICT) and those who do not, often due to socioeconomic, geographic, or other disparities.
Example:
L'accès inégal à Internet dans les zones rurales contribue à la fracture numérique et limite les opportunités éducatives.
Les sciences et la technologie
Encompasses the systematic study of the natural and physical world through observation and experimentation (science), and the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes (technology).
Example:
Les progrès dans les sciences et la technologie ont permis de développer des smartphones de plus en plus puissants.
Monorails (モノレール)
Monorails are a type of railway system that uses a single rail or beam for support and guidance. They are often found in urban areas, sometimes suspended from the beam.
Example:
To get to Haneda Airport, many travelers take the Tokyo Monorail, which offers scenic views of the city.
Personal and Public Identities (Les identités personnelles et publiques)
One of the six overarching themes of the AP French Language and Culture exam, examining how individuals and groups define themselves, often influenced by technological advancements and their societal impacts.
Example:
La manière dont les gens se présentent en ligne peut transformer leurs identités personnelles et publiques.
Portable CD Player
The portable CD player is an invention from Japan that allowed people to listen to music on compact discs while on the go. It was a popular personal audio device before the rise of digital music players.
Example:
Before smartphones, many people carried a portable CD player to listen to their favorite albums.
A popular instant messaging software service developed by Tencent, widely used in China for communication, social networking, and online gaming.
Example:
许多学生仍然使用QQ群来讨论作业和分享学习资料。
Robotto (ロボット)
Robotto refers to robots, which are machines designed to perform tasks automatically, often mimicking human actions. Japan is a global leader in robotics, developing various types from humanoids to companion animals.
Example:
In Japan, robotto are increasingly used not just in factories but also for companionship and entertainment.
Shinkansen (新幹線)
The Shinkansen, or bullet train, is Japan's high-speed rail network, known for its efficiency and punctuality. It revolutionized travel across Japan, connecting major cities at speeds up to 199 mph.
Example:
Traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto on the Shinkansen is incredibly fast and a quintessential Japanese experience.
Suihanki (炊飯器)
Suihanki is an electric rice cooker, a common household appliance in Japan. It automatically maintains the correct temperature to perfectly cook rice and can also be used for other dishes like desserts.
Example:
My Japanese host family uses their suihanki every day to make delicious, perfectly cooked rice.
Une arme à double tranchant
An idiom used to describe something that has both positive and negative effects, or that can be beneficial in one way but harmful in another.
Example:
Les réseaux sociaux peuvent être une arme à double tranchant, offrant connectivité mais aussi des risques pour la santé mentale.
apuri (アプリ)
Apuri is a loanword meaning application, referring to software programs designed for specific tasks on digital devices like smartphones or computers.
Example:
I downloaded a new language learning apuri to help me practice Japanese vocabulary.
daun rōdo (ダウンロード)
Daun rōdo is a loanword meaning download, referring to the process of transferring data or files from a server to a local device.
Example:
It took a while to daun rōdo the large video file due to my slow internet connection.
gijutsu (技術)
Gijutsu means technology, technique, or skill. It refers to the practical application of knowledge to achieve specific goals and is a core concept in understanding Japan's innovations.
Example:
Japan is renowned for its advanced gijutsu in robotics and electronics.
haiburiddo (ハイブリッド)
Haiburiddo is a loanword meaning hybrid. It commonly refers to vehicles that combine two different power sources, such as gasoline and electric.
Example:
Many Japanese car manufacturers produce popular haiburiddo vehicles like the Toyota Prius.
hannō (反応)
Hannō means to react or reaction. It refers to a response to a stimulus, particularly important in discussions of robot behavior and speed.
Example:
The Janken Robot's quick hannō time allows it to win every game.
hatsumei (発明)
Hatsumei means to discover or invention. It refers to the act of creating something new or finding something previously unknown.
Example:
The invention of the light bulb was a groundbreaking hatsumei that changed daily life.
janken (ジャンケン)
Janken is the Japanese name for the hand game rock-paper-scissors. It is a common way to make decisions or settle disputes in Japan.
Example:
Let's play janken to decide who gets the last piece of cake!
jōhō (情報)
Jōhō means information. In the context of science and technology, it relates to data, communication, and the flow of knowledge.
Example:
Access to accurate jōhō is crucial for making informed decisions in the digital age.
kamera (カメラ)
Kamera is a loanword meaning camera. It refers to a device used for capturing still images or video.
Example:
Many modern smartphones have high-quality kamera for taking photos and videos.
kōtsū (交通)
Kōtsū means transportation or traffic. It encompasses the systems and means by which people and goods move from one place to another.
Example:
Tokyo's public kōtsū system, including its extensive train network, is incredibly efficient.
ninshiki (認識)
Ninshiki means to recognize or recognition. It refers to the ability to identify something or someone, often used in the context of AI and robotics.
Example:
The robot's advanced sensors allow it to ninshiki human faces and gestures.
setsuzoku (接続)
Setsuzoku means to connect or connection. It refers to establishing a link, often in the context of networks or devices.
Example:
Please check your internet setsuzoku if the webpage isn't loading.
toritsukeru (取り付ける)
Toritsukeru means to install or to attach. It is used when setting up new equipment or software.
Example:
The technician came to toritsukeru the new air conditioner in my room.
yunyū (輸入)
Yunyū means import. It refers to bringing goods or services into a country from abroad for sale.
Example:
Japan needs to yunyū a lot of its energy resources from other countries.
yushutsu (輸出)
Yushutsu means export. It refers to sending goods or services to another country for sale.
Example:
Japan's automotive industry relies heavily on yushutsu to global markets.
人工智能 (réngōng zhìnéng)
The development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Example:
许多智能手机都内置了人工智能助手，可以帮助用户安排日程或回答问题。
健康中国2030规划 (jiànkāng Zhōngguó 2030 guīhuà)
A national strategic plan launched by the Chinese government to improve the health and well-being of its population by 2030, focusing on prevention, healthcare reform, and health promotion.
Example:
健康中国2030规划旨在通过多方面措施，提升全民健康水平。
医疗系统 (yīliáo xìtǒng)
The organization of people, institutions, and resources that deliver healthcare services to meet the health needs of a population.
Example:
中国政府正在努力改革医疗系统，以提高医疗服务的可及性和公平性。
在线学习 (zàixiàn xuéxí)
Education conducted over the internet, allowing students to access course materials, lectures, and assignments remotely.
Example:
疫情期间，许多学生通过在线学习平台继续学业。
天宫空间站 (tiāngōng kōngjiānzhàn)
China's independent modular space station, serving as a permanent orbital outpost for scientific research and technological development in space.
Example:
宇航员在天宫空间站进行各种微重力实验，推动了科学探索。
审查制度 (shěnchá zhìdù)
The suppression of speech, public communication, or other information that may be considered objectionable, harmful, sensitive, or inconvenient by a government or other controlling body.
Example:
互联网上的内容有时会受到审查制度的限制。
微信 (wēixìn)
A multi-purpose messaging, social media, and mobile payment app developed by Tencent, widely used in China for communication, social networking, and daily transactions.
Example:
我用微信和朋友聊天、发朋友圈，还可以支付账单。
微博 (wēibó)
A Chinese microblogging website, similar to Twitter, widely used for public discourse, news dissemination, and celebrity interactions.
Example:
明星们经常在微博上发布最新动态，与粉丝互动。
心理健康 (xīnlǐ jiànkāng)
A state of well-being in which an individual can cope with life's stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community.
Example:
随着社会压力的增加，关注青少年的心理健康变得越来越重要。
快手 (kuàishǒu)
A prominent Chinese short-video sharing platform, known for its focus on content from smaller cities and rural areas, fostering a diverse user community.
Example:
快手上有很多展示乡村生活和传统手艺的短视频。
快递服务 (kuàidì fúwù)
Services that transport packages or goods from one location to another, often rapidly, playing a crucial role in e-commerce and daily convenience.
Example:
网上购物后，快递服务能很快将商品送到家门口。
成瘾技术 (chéngyǐn jìshù)
Technologies designed with features that encourage compulsive or excessive use, potentially leading to behavioral addiction.
Example:
许多家长担心孩子过度沉迷于手机游戏，这是一种成瘾技术的体现。
抖音 (dǒuyīn)
A popular Chinese short-video platform, known for its personalized content recommendations and extensive user base, often referred to as TikTok internationally.
Example:
很多人喜欢在抖音上分享自己的生活片段或观看有趣的短视频。
数据隐私 (shùjù yǐnsī)
The protection of personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure, especially in the context of digital data collection and sharing.
Example:
随着科技发展，保护个人数据隐私变得越来越重要。
清零政策 (qīnglíng zhèngcè)
A public health strategy aimed at eliminating all cases of a contagious disease within a country's borders through strict measures like mass testing, quarantines, and travel restrictions.
Example:
在疫情初期，中国实施了严格的清零政策来控制病毒传播。
环境因素 (huánjìng yīnsù)
Elements or conditions in the natural or built environment that can influence health, such as pollution and food safety.
Example:
空气污染和食品安全是影响中国居民健康的两个重要环境因素。
百度 (bǎidù)
A leading Chinese multinational technology company specializing in internet-related services and products, particularly known for its search engine and AI research.
Example:
很多人使用百度来搜索信息、观看视频或使用地图导航。
知乎 (zhīhū)
A Chinese question-and-answer website, similar to Quora, where users can ask questions, share knowledge, and engage in discussions on various topics.
Example:
如果想了解某个专业领域的信息，很多人会去知乎上寻找答案。
石墨烯 (shímò xī)
A two-dimensional material consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms, known for its exceptional strength, conductivity, and flexibility.
Example:
科学家正在研究如何将石墨烯应用于更高效的电池和柔性电子产品。
社会文化改变 (shèhuì wénhuà gǎibiàn)
Transformations in the norms, values, beliefs, and practices of a society or culture, often influenced by technological advancements, economic shifts, or global interactions.
Example:
互联网的普及对年轻一代的社会文化改变产生了深远影响。
科学技术 (kēxué jìshù)
The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, often leading to new inventions and innovations that reshape society.
Example:
中国在科学技术领域取得了巨大进步，例如高速铁路和人工智能。
移动支付 (yídòng zhīfù)
A financial transaction conducted using a mobile device, such as a smartphone, to pay for goods or services, widely adopted in China through apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay.
Example:
在中国，无论是买菜还是购物，人们都习惯使用移动支付，非常方便。
网上购物 (wǎngshàng gòuwù)
The process of purchasing goods or services over the internet, typically through e-commerce websites or mobile applications.
Example:
每年“双十一”期间，网上购物平台都会推出大量优惠活动。
网约车 (wǎngyuēchē)
A service that allows individuals to request and pay for rides through a mobile app, connecting passengers with drivers using their personal vehicles.
Example:
下班后，我经常使用网约车回家，省去了等出租车的时间。
老龄化人口 (lǎolínghuà rénkǒu)
A demographic trend characterized by an increasing proportion of older individuals in a population, leading to challenges in social welfare, healthcare, and workforce sustainability.
Example:
中国面临着老龄化人口带来的挑战，需要更多养老服务和医疗资源。
腾讯 (téngxùn)
A Chinese multinational technology and entertainment conglomerate, widely known for its instant messaging platforms (WeChat, QQ) and extensive investments in various internet services and AI.
Example:
腾讯旗下的微信支付已经成为中国日常生活中不可或缺的支付方式。
虚假信息 (xūjiǎ xìnxī)
False or inaccurate information, especially that which is intended to deceive, often spread through social media or other digital platforms.
Example:
在社交媒体上，我们需要警惕虚假信息的传播，学会辨别真伪。
虚拟会议 (xūnǐ huìyì)
Meetings conducted remotely using video conferencing software, allowing participants to interact from different locations.
Example:
由于疫情，我们公司现在经常举行虚拟会议，方便了远程协作。
远程医疗 (yuǎnchéng yīliáo)
The practice of providing healthcare services remotely using telecommunications technology, allowing patients to consult with doctors without needing to be physically present.
Example:
在偏远地区，远程医疗让患者能够方便地获得专业的医疗咨询。
量子优势 (liàngzǐ yōushì)
The point at which a quantum computer can perform a computation that no classical supercomputer can perform in a feasible amount of time.
Example:
谷歌声称在2019年实现了量子优势，展示了量子计算机的巨大潜力。
量子卫星 (liàngzǐ wèixīng)
A satellite designed to conduct quantum communication experiments, such as quantum key distribution, over long distances.
Example:
中国发射的量子卫星“墨子号”在量子通信领域取得了世界领先的成果。
量子计算 (liàngzǐ jìsuàn)
A new type of computing that uses quantum-mechanical phenomena to perform calculations much faster than classical computers for certain complex problems.
Example:
量子计算有望在药物发现和材料科学等领域带来革命性的突破。
锂离子电池 (lǐ lízǐ diànchí)
A type of rechargeable battery commonly used in portable electronics and electric vehicles due to their high energy density and long cycle life.
Example:
我们的手机和笔记本电脑都使用锂离子电池供电，方便了移动生活。
高速铁路 (gāosù tiělù)
A railway system designed for speeds significantly higher than conventional rail, representing a major infrastructure achievement and mode of transport in China.
Example:
乘坐高速铁路从北京到上海只需几个小时，非常方便快捷。