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距離 — meaning in English: distance

kyori · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

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学習
gakushū
戦い
tatakai
ライセンス
raisen su
事前
jizen
距離
kyori
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 距離 (kyori) in everyday conversations about travel, whether discussing the distance between two cities or planning a hiking trip. It can also come up in more formal contexts, like academic discussions about physical or metaphorical distances in a scientific paper.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym of 距離 (kyori) is 間隔 (kankaku), which means 'interval.' While both words refer to space between objects, kyori is more commonly used for physical distances, while kankaku can imply a more abstract notion of spacing, making kyori the preferred choice in everyday discussions about travel or geography.
Culture
The word 距離 (kyori) is derived from the Chinese characters that represent 'distance' and 'difference,' reflecting the concept of separation both physically and metaphorically. Interestingly, in Japanese culture, the idea of distance can also relate to emotional spaces, emphasizing how people perceive their relationships with others.
FAQ
Q.What is the meaning of 距離 in English?
距離 (kyori) translates to 'distance' in English, referring to the physical space between two points.
Q.How do you use 距離 in a sentence?
You can use 距離 (kyori) in sentences like '東京までの距離はどれくらいですか?' (Tōkyō made no kyori wa dorekurai desu ka?), which means 'What is the distance to Tokyo?'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 距離?
A common mistake is confusing 距離 (kyori) with 位置 (ichi), which means 'position.' Remember that kyori specifically refers to the distance between two points, whereas ichi relates to where something is located.
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