How to say "span" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounCovers a concrete, measurable span such as a length of time or the distance between supports. A loanword with a technical or quantified feel, it suits statements about how long or wide something is.
- 広がりひろがりnounRefers to the expanse or spread of something, emphasizing how far it reaches or opens out. Best when 'span' describes a spatial extent or the breadth of an area rather than a measured interval.
- 範囲はんいnounMeans extent, scope, or range, so it fits 'span' when the emphasis is on the limits or boundaries of something covered, such as the range of a topic, activity, or area.
- godan verb, intransitive verbThe verb for something spanning an area, period, or other domain, as when a bridge spans a river or a career spans decades. This is usually the natural choice when 'span' is a verb.
- godan verb, transitive verbAlso a verb meaning to span or stretch over, though its given senses include bridging and saddling, and it is less specifically tied to the 'span an area or time' sense; またがる is typically the safer verb for that meaning.
Use 「スパン」 for a measured length or interval, 「広がり」 or 範囲 for extent or scope, and the verbs 「またがる」 or 「またぐ」 when 'span' is used as a verb.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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