Translation guide
How to express the physical action of sitting or standing with legs on either side of something, and figurative uses like spanning two areas or taking a neutral position.
The physical action of placing one leg on each side of an object, such as a horse, motorcycle, chair, or line.
The most common and general verb for straddling something, like a horse, motorcycle, or fence. Used for sitting or standing with legs apart over an object.
彼は馬にまたがった。
He straddled the horse.
バイクにまたがる。
I straddle the motorcycle.
Means to step over or stride across something, often with a single motion. Can be used for straddling a threshold or small obstacle, but implies crossing rather than sitting.
水たまりをまたいだ。
I stepped over the puddle.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'to sit with legs spread apart'. Used when the straddling posture is emphasized rather than the object being straddled.
彼は椅子に足を広げて座った。
He sat straddling the chair with his legs apart.
Figurative use meaning to cover or include two different things, such as fields, categories, or time periods.
Also used figuratively for spanning two areas, disciplines, or periods. The same verb as the physical straddle, but with abstract objects.
その研究は複数の分野にまたがっている。
The research straddles multiple fields.
彼の任期は二つの世紀にまたがった。
His term of office straddled two centuries.
Means 'to belong to both'. Used when something is part of two categories simultaneously, like a person with dual roles or a concept that fits two definitions.
彼は営業と開発の両方に属している。
He straddles both sales and development.
Literally 'to extend over two areas'. A more formal or written expression for spanning two domains.
この問題は二つの領域にわたっている。
This issue straddles two areas.
To avoid committing to one side in a debate, or to hold conflicting views.
Means 'to take a non-committal stance'. Commonly used when someone straddles the fence on an issue.
彼はその問題についてどっちつかずの立場をとった。
He straddled the issue.
Means 'to maintain neutrality'. A more formal way to express not taking sides.
彼は議論で中立を保った。
He straddled the debate by staying neutral.
Colloquial expression meaning 'to try to please both sides', often with a negative connotation of being two-faced.
彼はいつも両方にいい顔をしようとする。
He always tries to straddle both sides.