Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing 'width' depends on whether you mean the physical dimension of an object, the abstract breadth of something, or a specific measurement. The most common word is 幅 (はば), but other terms like 横幅 (よこはば) and 広さ (ひろさ) are used in different contexts.
Describing the side-to-side measurement of something like a road, table, or cloth.
The most common and general word for 'width'. Used for physical objects and also metaphorically for range or breadth.
The width of this road is 5 meters.
机の幅を測ってください。
Please measure the width of the desk.
Specifically emphasizes horizontal width, often used when distinguishing from height or depth.
この棚の横幅はちょうどいい。
The width of this shelf is just right.
Refers to spaciousness or extent, often used for rooms or areas. Not strictly 'width' but can imply it in context.
部屋の広さは十分です。
The width/spaciousness of the room is sufficient.
Talking about width in specifications, sizes, or when giving numbers.
Pattern to state the width of something. Use with measurements.
この布は幅が1メートルあります。
This cloth has a width of 1 meter.
Used directly with numbers in technical contexts.
幅3メートルの道路
a road with a width of 3 meters
Referring to the breadth of knowledge, experience, or options.
Used metaphorically for range or breadth, often in compounds like 幅広い (はばひろい, wide-ranging).
彼は経験の幅が広い。
He has a wide breadth of experience.
選択の幅を広げる
to broaden the range of choices
Emphasizes spread or extent, often used for influence or scope.
Technical or specialized uses of 'width'.
Fabric width, used in sewing and textiles.
この生地の生地幅は110cmです。
The width of this fabric is 110 cm.
Character width in typography or computing.
このフォントは字幅が狭い。
This font has a narrow character width.
幅 (はば) is the direct translation of 'width' and is used for measurable side-to-side distance. 広さ (ひろさ) means 'spaciousness' or 'area' and is more about the feeling of space. Use 幅 when you can measure a specific dimension; use 広さ when describing how roomy something feels.
この部屋の幅は3メートルです。
The width of this room is 3 meters.
この部屋の広さは十分です。
The spaciousness of this room is sufficient.
To say something is wide or narrow, use 幅が広い (はばがひろい) or 幅が狭い (はばがせまい). You can also use the compound adjectives 幅広い (はばひろい) and 幅狭い (はばせまい) directly before nouns.
このテーブルの幅はどのくらいですか？
What is the width of this table?
その川の幅は約50メートルです。
The width of the river is about 50 meters.
出入口の幅を広げる必要があります。
We need to increase the width of the doorway.
インターネットの広がり
the spread/width of the internet