Translation guide
The English word "dimension" covers several distinct concepts: spatial measurements (length, width, height), aspects or facets of a situation, and size/scale. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Referring to a measurable extent in space, such as the dimensions of a room or object.
The most common word for physical dimensions (length, width, height) of objects, rooms, etc. Often used in technical or everyday contexts.
Please measure the dimensions of this desk.
The dimensions of the room are 3 meters by 4 meters.
General word for size, often used when exact measurements aren't needed. More casual than 寸法.
What are the dimensions of that box? (lit. How big is that box?)
Loanword from English, used for clothing, shoes, and consumer goods. Not typically used for architectural dimensions.
Please tell me the dimensions (size) of this shirt.
When specifying individual dimensions, use these words: 縦 (length/height), 横 (width), 高さ (height). Often used together.
Please measure the length, width, and height of the shelf.
Referring to a particular part or feature of a problem, issue, or experience.
Literally 'side face', used metaphorically for an aspect or facet. Common in formal and written contexts.
There are various dimensions to this problem.
A more general word for 'aspect' or 'side'. Can be used in many contexts, slightly less formal than 側面.
Means 'element' or 'factor', often used when dimension means a component part of something.
Literally 'dimension' in the mathematical sense, but can be used metaphorically for a level or plane of existence/thought. Often in phrases like 異次元 (different dimension).
Referring to the magnitude or scope of something, often used in phrases like 'the dimensions of the disaster'.
Means scale or scope. Used for the size of events, projects, disasters, etc.
The dimensions of the damage were beyond imagination.
The dimensions (scale) of this project are large.
Again, general size. Works for abstract concepts too, but 規模 is better for organized scale.
Referring to dimensions in geometry, physics, or science fiction (1D, 2D, 3D, etc.).
寸法 is specific to measured dimensions (length, width, height) and is used in technical or precise contexts. サイズ is a loanword used for clothing, shoes, and consumer goods sizes. 大きさ is a general word for size and can be used for both physical and abstract things, but it doesn't imply precise measurements.
While 次元 is the direct translation, it is primarily used in mathematical, physical, or sci-fi contexts. Using it for 'aspect' or 'size' can sound unnatural. Use 側面 or 規模 instead.
What are the dimensions of the room?
We need to consider the social dimension of the problem.
The dimensions of the disaster were unprecedented.
彼の性格の意外な側面を見た。
I saw an unexpected dimension of his personality.
His proposal has good and bad dimensions (aspects).
成功には多くの要素が関係している。
Many dimensions (factors) are involved in success.
その話は異次元の世界を描いている。
The story depicts a world of a different dimension.
問題の大きさに気づいていなかった。
I hadn't realized the dimensions (magnitude) of the problem.
この図形は二次元です。
This figure is two-dimensional.
異次元への扉が開いた。
A door to another dimension opened.