幅

• Reading: はば
• Romaji: haba
• Kanji breakdown: 幅 (fuku/haba) — width, breadth
• Pronunciation: /ha.ba/

Meaning

Width; breadth; the horizontal extent or range of something.

A noun referring to width, breadth, or range. Used both for physical measurement and figurative scope. Common expressions: 幅が広い (haba ga hiroi, wide / versatile), 幅を利かせる (haba wo kikaseru, to exert influence/dominance), 値幅 (nehaba, price range). In figurative usage, 幅 suggests range of ability, influence, or flexibility: 知識の幅を広げる (chishiki no haba wo hirogeru, to broaden one's knowledge).

Examples

1. この道路は幅が狭くて車が通りにくい。 This road is too narrow for cars to pass through easily.
2. 読書で知識の幅を広げたい。 I want to broaden my knowledge through reading.
3. 彼はどの分野でも幅広く活躍している。 He is active across a wide range of fields.

Usage Guide

Context: measurement, figurative scope, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 幅 combines 巾 (cloth/width) and 畐 (full/brimming), suggesting the full extent of a piece of cloth — its width from edge to edge.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal