伸ばす

• Reading: のばす
• Romaji: nobasu
• Kanji breakdown: 伸 (nobasu/shin) — extend, stretch, grow
• Pronunciation: /no.ba.sɯ/

Meaning

To extend; to stretch; to lengthen. To reach out or develop further.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb conjugated with the す row. The transitive pair of 伸びる (to grow/extend). Used physically (手を伸ばす, reach out a hand; 髪を伸ばす, grow hair long) and abstractly (能力を伸ばす, develop abilities; 期限を伸ばす, extend a deadline). Very productive in describing personal growth and development.

Examples

1. 棚の上のものを取るために手を伸ばした。 I reached up to grab something from the top shelf.
2. 留学して英語力を伸ばしたい。 I want to study abroad and improve my English skills.
3. 彼女は髪を腰まで伸ばしている。 She's been growing her hair all the way down to her waist.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, education, personal development

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Transitive form of 伸びる. The kanji 伸 combines 亻(person radical) and 申 (to state/extend), representing a person stretching outward.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal