奥行き

• Reading: おくゆき
• Romaji: okuyuki
• Kanji breakdown: 奥 (oku) — interior, deep; 行 (yuki/kou) — go, extent
• Pronunciation: /o.kɯ.jɯ.ki/

Meaning

Depth; the distance from front to back of an object or space.

A noun describing spatial depth, particularly in architecture, interior design, photography, and art. Also used figuratively to describe depth of character, flavour, or artistic expression. Often contrasted with 幅 (width) and 高さ (height).

Examples

1. この棚は奥行きが浅いので大きな本が入らない。 This shelf is shallow in depth, so large books won't fit.
2. 写真に奥行きを出すために構図を工夫した。 I worked on the composition to add depth to the photo.
3. 部屋の奥行きは約五メートルある。 The depth of the room is about five meters.

Usage Guide

Context: architecture, design, photography

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 奥 (interior, deep inside) + 行き (going, extent). Literally 'the extent of going inward,' describing how far back something reaches.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal