Translation guide
Describes something level with the ground, parallel to the horizon, or extending side-to-side. In Japanese, the most common word is 横 (yoko), but 水平 (suihei) is used for perfect levelness, and 横向き (yokomuki) for orientation.
Describing something that goes from left to right, or is positioned sideways, as opposed to vertical.
The most common word for 'horizontal' in everyday contexts. It refers to the side-to-side direction, width, or something lying sideways.
横線を引いてください。
Please draw a horizontal line.
This desk is long horizontally.
Means 'horizontal' in the sense of being perfectly level, like the horizon or a spirit level. Often used in technical or precise contexts.
This shelf is not horizontal (level).
The horizontal line (horizon) is beautiful.
Refers to a horizontal orientation, especially of objects or images. Often used for 'landscape' orientation of paper or screens.
Please take the photo in horizontal (landscape) orientation.
Please print this document horizontally (landscape).
Describing a surface or line that is flat and level, not tilted.
The standard term for 'horizontal' in the sense of being level with the ground. Used in science, construction, and everyday descriptions of flatness.
Please make sure the ground is horizontal (level).
Means 'flat' or 'level', often used for surfaces. While not strictly 'horizontal', it implies a lack of tilt and is common in everyday speech.
Referring to horizontal expansion, mergers, or structures across similar levels.
Used in compound terms like 水平統合 (horizontal integration) or 水平的 (horizontal, as in relationships).
Horizontal integration is one business strategy.
Means 'cross-sectional' or 'horizontal' in the sense of spanning across different departments or fields. Common in business contexts.
A horizontal bar used in gymnastics, or a horizontal stroke in writing.
横 (yoko) is the general word for side-to-side direction and is used in everyday contexts like 'next to' or 'width'. 水平 (suihei) specifically means perfectly level, like a water surface or horizon, and is more technical. Use 横 for most casual situations, and 水平 when precision matters.
水平 only means 'horizontal' in the level sense. To say 'horizontal' as in 'side-by-side' or 'next to', use 横 (yoko) or 隣 (tonari).
Please place it on a horizontal surface.
This road is flat (horizontal).
Let's form a horizontal (cross-functional) team.
The horizontal bar on the graph represents time.