延長コード（えんちょうコード、enchoukoーdo）
- extension cord

The Japanese word 延長コード (えんちょうコード) refers to an extension cord or power strip. It's a cable with multiple outlets used to extend the reach of a power source or to plug in multiple electrical devices from a single outlet. The term combines two words: 延長(えんちょう), meaning "extension" or "prolongation," and "コード" (kōdo), which is a loanword from English "cord." So, literally, it means "extension cord." It is also very often called 延長コード.

⚫︎コンセントが足りないので、延長コードを使います。 Translation: I use an extension cord because I don't have enough outlets. ⚫︎新しいテレビのために、長い延長コードを買いました。 Translation: I bought a long extension cord for my new TV.

You use 延長コード in situations where you need to: ⚫︎Plug in a device that is too far from an electrical outlet. ⚫︎Plug in multiple devices when there's only one outlet available. ⚫︎Provide more flexibility in where you can use electrical devices. It is a common household item, especially useful when setting up home electronics.

⚫︎The word is primarily written in katakana as コード. ⚫︎The whole term is usually written in kanji and katakana as 延長コード. ⚫︎The reading is えんちょうコード in hiragana. There are no variations in okurigana.

There aren't many direct synonyms, but depending on the context, you might use more descriptive phrases such as: ⚫︎電源タップ (でんげんタップ) - Power strip (more specifically referring to a strip with multiple outlets) ⚫︎たこ足配線 (たこあしはいせん) - Octopus wiring (this refers to using many cords from one outlet, which can be dangerous.)

There are no direct antonyms, but you could consider the opposite situation: ⚫︎Using a direct connection to an outlet without an extension.

部屋の隅に電気がないので、延長コードを使って、ライトを点けました。 ・Translation: I used an extension cord to turn on the light because there is no electricity in the corner of the room. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates using a 延長コード to bring power to a location that doesn't have an outlet.

パソコンとスマホを同時に充電するために、延長コードに繋ぎました。 ・Translation: I connected it to an extension cord to charge my computer and smartphone at the same time. ・Explanation: This shows using a 延長コード for convenience to plug in multiple devices.

The word is a combination of Japanese and English words. 延長(えんちょう) is a native Japanese word, and "コード" is a loanword from the English word "cord." This shows how Japanese often incorporates foreign words to describe new concepts.