距離

• Reading: きょり
• Romaji: kyori
• Kanji breakdown: 距 (kyo) — distance, be apart; 離 (ri/hana) — separate, detach
• Pronunciation: /kʲo.ɾi/

Meaning

Distance; range; interval. The amount of space between two points.

A noun used for physical distance and figurative emotional distance. Common expressions include 距離を置く (to keep one's distance), 距離感 (sense of distance), and 長距離 (long distance). Frequently used when discussing travel, commuting, and relationships.

Examples

1. 家から学校までの距離は二キロです。 The distance from my house to school is two kilometers.
2. 長い距離を歩いたので足が疲れた。 My legs are tired because I walked a long distance.
3. この距離なら自転車で行けます。 It's close enough to go by bicycle.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, commuting, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 距 (distance, be apart) and 離 (separate, detach). Both characters convey separation, emphasising the space between two points.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal