縦横
Meanings
length and width; vertical and horizontal; four cardinal points
Refers to the two perpendicular axes (vertical/horizontal, lengthwise/crosswise) or, by extension, the four cardinal directions. Often used in descriptions of dimensions, grids, or spatial orientation.
Please measure the length and width of this cloth.
Vertical and horizontal lines are drawn on the Go board.
every direction; all directions
Extends the spatial sense to mean 'in all directions' or 'everywhere'. Often used with verbs of movement or spreading.
He ran around in every direction.
The rumor spread in all directions.
freely; as one wishes; at will
Figurative use: acting without constraint, doing as one pleases. Often used with verbs like 活躍する, 使う, or 動く. Can carry a nuance of mastery or unrestrained freedom.
He is active freely in that field.
She displayed her talent to the fullest.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉を縦横に走るto run all over a place in every direction
The children ran all over the park in every direction.
- 縦横に活躍するto be active and successful in every field
He is active and successful across both politics and business.
- 〈物〉の縦横を測るto measure the length and width of something
I measured the length and width of the box before ordering it.
- 縦横に使うto use something freely and skillfully
He used the technique freely and skillfully to create a new work.