Meaning and Usage
"幅" (はば) primarily means "width" or "breadth" and is used to describe the physical measurement across an object, such as a river or a piece of cloth. Beyond physical dimensions, it also metaphorically expresses the range or scope of something, like knowledge or price range.
Common Collocations
- 幅が広い (はばがひろい): "wide width" or "broad range"; used both literally and figuratively.
- 幅を取る (はばをとる): "to take up space"; often used when something occupies a lot of room.
- 価格の幅 (かかくのはば): "price range"; common in shopping or market contexts.
Usage Notes
When using 幅 to describe physical width, it is often paired with measurements (e.g., meters). When used figuratively, it describes the extent or diversity of something. Be careful not to confuse 幅 with 長さ (length) or 高さ (height), which refer to different dimensions.
Register and Politeness
幅 is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts without change.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 幅 with 長さ when describing size. Remember, 幅 is the horizontal measurement across an object, while 長さ is the length from end to end.