宽度

• Pinyin: kuān dù
• Hanzi breakdown: 宽 = 宀 (roof) + 萈 (simplified), meaning broad/wide; 度 = 广 (shelter) + 廿 + 又, meaning measure/degree

Meaning

Width; breadth. The measurement of how wide something is.

A technical term for the horizontal extent of something from side to side. Used in construction, design, manufacturing, and everyday descriptions. Also used metaphorically for the breadth of knowledge, vision, or scope.

Examples

1. 这条河的宽度有五十米左右。 The width of this river is about fifty meters.
2. 请测量一下这块布的宽度。 Please measure the width of this piece of fabric.
3. 他知识的宽度和深度都令人佩服。 Both the breadth and depth of his knowledge are admirable.

Usage Guide

Context: technical, measurement, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 门的宽度不够，沙发搬不进去。(The door isn't wide enough; the sofa can't fit through.)
• 宽度是两米，长度是三米。(The width is two meters, the length is three meters.)

Don't Say

• 你的宽度很大。(Don't use 宽度 for describing people's body — use 肩宽 or just describe naturally)

Origin & History

宽 (kuān, wide/broad) + 度 (dù, degree/measure). Together they mean 'the measure of wideness.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal