足場
Meanings
A temporary structure or platform used at construction, repair, or painting sites. Common with verbs such as 組む, 解体する, and 崩れる.
Workers are putting up scaffolding on the outside of the building.
The scaffolding at the construction site shook in the strong wind.
foothold; footing; place to stand
A physical place or surface where one can put one's feet securely. Often used in descriptions of climbing, muddy ground, high places, or unstable footing.
On the rocky ground, we moved slowly while checking our footing.
The footing was poor because of the rain, so the work took longer.
Figurative use for a base or foothold from which someone expands activities, business, influence, or plans. Common in patterns like Xを足場に and 足場を固める.
The company expanded nationwide using Osaka as its base.
We need to first establish a firm foothold in the domestic market.
transport convenience; ease of access
Used especially as 足場がよい or 足場が悪い to describe whether a place is easy to get to by road, rail, or similar transport. 交通の便 is a more explicit equivalent.
See also: 交通の便 (こうつうのべん)
This venue is close to the station and easy to get to.
Because the inn is deep in the mountains, access is not very convenient.
Usage patterns· 7
- 足場を組むto put up scaffolding
They put up scaffolding around the building for the construction work.
- 足場が崩れるfor scaffolding to collapse
The scaffolding collapsed in the strong wind and a worker was injured.
- 足場を失うto lose one's footing
Halfway up the cliff he lost his footing and nearly fell.
- 足場を固めるto solidify one's base (for future action)
The company first solidified its base in the domestic market.
- 〈事〉を足場にするto use something as a springboard/base
He used his university research as a springboard to start his own business.
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- 足場がいいto be conveniently located (easy transport access)
This shop is close to the station, so it's easy to get to.
- 足場が悪いto be inconveniently located (poor transport access)
That factory is hard to get to, so commuting is tough.