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.
Please measure the width of the desk.
Specifically emphasizes horizontal width, often used when distinguishing from height or depth.
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.
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.
This cloth has a width of 1 meter.
Used directly with numbers in technical contexts.
Referring to the breadth of knowledge, experience, or options.
Technical or specialized uses of 'width'.
Fabric width, used in sewing and textiles.
The width of this fabric is 110 cm.
Character width in typography or computing.
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.
The width of this room is 3 meters.
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.
What is the width of this table?
The width of the river is about 50 meters.
We need to increase the width of the doorway.
a road with a width of 3 meters
インターネットの広がり
the spread/width of the internet
broad knowledge