noun
Physical or temporal distance between two points, objects, or events.
駅までの距離は約2キロです。
The distance to the station is about 2 kilometers.
このカメラは遠い距離でもよく写る。
This camera takes good pictures even at long range.
noun
gap; difference; distance (figurative)
Abstract gap or difference in opinion, feeling, ability, etc.
二人の意見にはかなり距離がある。
There is a considerable gap between their opinions.
彼との距離を感じる。
I feel a distance between him and me.
noun
Technical term in mathematics for a distance function or metric.
数学で距離というと、二点間の長さを測る関数を指す。
In mathematics, 'distance' refers to a function that measures the length between two points.
Sino-Japanese word using 距 (long, distance) and 離 (separate). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination naturally conveys the idea of measurable separation.