Meaning and Usage
"分布" (ぶんぷ) refers to the way something is spread or distributed over a certain area or range. It is commonly used in scientific, geographical, and demographic contexts to describe how populations, animals, plants, or other entities are spatially arranged.
Common Contexts
You will often see "分布" used when discussing population distribution, animal habitats, plant ranges, or data distribution in statistics. It is a noun and typically appears in formal or academic language.
Collocations and Patterns
- 人口分布 (じんこうぶんぷ): population distribution
- 分布図 (ぶんぷず): distribution map
- 分布範囲 (ぶんぷはんい): distribution range
- 分布している: to be distributed
These collocations help specify what kind of distribution is being discussed.
Usage Tips
When using "分布," the focus is on the spatial or geographical spread rather than quantity alone. Avoid confusing it with "配布" (はいふ), which means "distribution" in the sense of handing out or delivering items. "分布" is about where things exist or occur across an area.
Register
"分布" is neutral to formal and often appears in written or scientific contexts rather than casual conversation.