Meaning and Usage
The verb 伸ばす (のばす) primarily means "to extend," "to stretch," or "to reach out." It is a transitive verb, so it always takes a direct object — something that is being stretched or extended.
Common Contexts
- Physical extension: stretching muscles, limbs, or hair length.
- Reaching out to grab or touch something.
- Extending abstract things like deadlines or skills (though less common).
Collocations and Patterns
- 髪を伸ばす: to grow hair longer.
- 手を伸ばす: to reach out one's hand.
- 筋肉を伸ばす: to stretch muscles.
These phrases are very common in daily conversation and often appear in health, beauty, and everyday action contexts.
Register and Nuance
伸ばす is neutral and can be used in casual and polite speech. It is a common verb in everyday Japanese.
Common Learner Mistake
Confusing 伸ばす (transitive) with 伸びる (のびる, intransitive) which means "to stretch" or "to grow" by itself. Remember, 伸ばす requires an object (something you actively stretch or extend), while 伸びる describes something stretching or growing on its own.