noun
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.
作業員がビルの外側に足場を組んでいる。
Workers are putting up scaffolding on the outside of the building.
強
The scaffolding at the construction site shook in the strong wind.
noun
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.
岩場では足場を確かめながらゆっくり進んだ。
On the rocky ground, we moved slowly while checking our footing.
雨で足場が悪く、作業に時間がかかった。
The footing was poor because of the rain, so the work took longer.
noun
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.
その会社は大阪を足場に全国へ事業を広げた。
The company expanded nationwide using Osaka as its base.
まず国内市場で足場を固める必要がある。
We need to first establish a firm foothold in the domestic market.
noun
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)
この会場は駅から近く、足場がよい。
This venue is close to the station and easy to get to.
山奥の宿なので、足場があまりよくない。
Because the inn is deep in the mountains, access is not very convenient.