connect

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 接 has 11 strokes and the on-reading せつ. 接する (せっする) uses small っ, while 接続 (せつぞく) retains full つ.
• Basic usage: 接する describes dealing with people or regions bordering each other. 接続 covers equipment connections and connections between trains.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Reading and kinds of connection
  • 客に接するとき means when dealing with customers. 土地が川を境に接している describes areas bordering each other along a river.
  • ケーブルを端子に接続して describes connecting a cable to a terminal. 急行列車への接続 concerns a transfer to an express train.