Translation guide
Expresses the direction along the length of something, often contrasted with width or crosswise direction.
Describing movement, orientation, or position along the longer axis of an object.
Standard term for 'longitudinal direction' or 'vertical direction' (when length is vertical). Used in technical and everyday contexts.
この道路は縦方向に走っています。
This road runs in a longitudinal direction.
Specifically means 'longitudinal direction' in the sense of the longer side of a rectangular object. Common in manufacturing and engineering.
材料を長手方向に切断する。
Cut the material in the longitudinal direction.
Means 'length' or 'vertical' and can be used to indicate longitudinal direction in contrast to 横 (width/horizontal).
紙を縦に折ってください。
Fold the paper lengthwise.
Means 'axial direction', often used in engineering contexts for the direction along an axis, which is typically longitudinal.
軸方向の荷重を測定する。
Measure the load in the axial direction.
Referring to the east-west coordinate on the Earth's surface.
Directly means 'longitudinal direction' in a geographical sense, along lines of longitude.
台風は経度方向に進んでいる。
The typhoon is moving in a longitudinal direction.
縦方向 is more general and can mean vertical or longitudinal depending on context. 長手方向 specifically refers to the longer dimension of a flat object and is common in technical fields.
Directly translating 'longitudinal direction' as 縦の方向 is understandable but less natural than 縦方向 or 長手方向. Use the compound nouns when possible.
Means 'east-west direction', which corresponds to longitudinal movement on a map.
この川は東西方向に流れている。
This river flows in an east-west direction.