伸ばす

§ What does 伸ばす mean?

The Japanese verb 伸ばす (のばす, nobasu) is a versatile word that means 'to stretch' or 'to extend'. It's a common A2-level verb you'll encounter frequently. Think of it as making something longer, wider, or flatter, both literally and figuratively.

DEFINITION

To stretch, to extend. It's a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object.

You use 伸ばす when you want to talk about:

• Stretching your body: Like when you wake up in the morning and stretch your arms.
• Extending an object: Such as extending a ruler or a retractable pen.
• Growing out hair or nails: Letting your hair get longer.
• Postponing or prolonging something: Like extending a deadline or a vacation.
• Developing skills or abilities: Improving your language skills or talents.

Let's look at some practical examples to see how it's used in different contexts.

§ Everyday uses of 伸ばす

Here are some common situations where Japanese speakers use 伸ばす:

EXAMPLE: Stretching limbs

When you stretch your arms or legs.

Hint: When I wake up in the morning, I stretch my arms.

EXAMPLE: Extending an object

Making something physically longer.

Hint: Please extend the ruler and draw a line.

EXAMPLE: Growing hair/nails

Allowing hair or nails to grow longer.

Hint: I am growing out my hair.

EXAMPLE: Extending a deadline

Making a time period longer.

Hint: Is it possible to have the deadline extended?

EXAMPLE: Developing skills

Improving or enhancing abilities.

Hint: He is trying to improve his language skills.

§ Important notes about 伸ばす

While 伸ばす is straightforward, keep these points in mind:

• It's a transitive verb. This means it always needs a direct object (the thing being stretched or extended). You'll often see it with the particle を (o).
• Pay attention to context. The exact nuance of 'stretch' or 'extend' will become clear from the surrounding words.

By understanding these core uses, you'll be able to use 伸ばす effectively in many different situations. Practice with these examples and try to make your own sentences to solidify your understanding!

§ Basic Usage: Direct Object

The most common way to use 伸ばす (nobasu) is with a direct object, indicating what is being stretched or extended. You'll often see it paired with the particle を (o).

§ Extending Things Physically

This verb is very versatile. You can use it for anything that gets longer, wider, or reaches further.

• Physical objects:

• Body parts:

§ Extending Beyond Physical: Time and Abilities

伸ばす isn't just for physical stretching. It can also refer to extending non-physical things like time, abilities, or even a period of time.

Extending Time

When you want to say you're extending a deadline, a stay, or any duration, 伸ばす is the word.

Developing Abilities/Talents

You can also use 伸ばす to talk about developing or improving skills and talents.

§ Distinguishing 伸ばす from 伸びる (nobiru)

This is an important point for learners. While both verbs relate to 'stretching' or 'extending,' they function differently:

伸ばす (nobasu)

This is a transitive verb. It means *someone* or *something* *stretches/extends* *something else*. It requires a direct object (marked by を).

伸びる (nobiru)

This is an intransitive verb. It means *something* *stretches/extends* *by itself*. It does not take a direct object and often uses the particle が (ga) to mark the subject.

Let's talk about the Japanese verb 伸ばす (nobasu). It's an important word to know, and you'll hear it a lot in different situations. At its core, 伸ばす means 'to stretch' or 'to extend'. But like many words, its usage goes beyond just the literal meaning. Understanding how it's used in different contexts will really help your Japanese sound more natural.

§ Basic Meaning: To Stretch Physically

The most straightforward use of 伸ばす is when you're talking about physically stretching something. Think about stretching your body, stretching a rubber band, or even stretching dough when you're cooking. This is a very common use you'll encounter in daily life.

Translation Hint

It feels good to stretch your body in the morning.

Translation Hint

If you stretch rubber, it might break.

§ Extending Things in Time or Space

Beyond physical stretching, 伸ばす is often used to mean 'to extend' something, either in length, duration, or even reach. This could be extending a deadline, extending your arm, or even growing your hair longer.

Translation Hint

I had the deadline extended by one week.

Translation Hint

I want to grow my hair to my shoulders.

§ Developing Skills or Potential

This is where 伸ばす gets a bit more abstract and interesting. You can use it when talking about developing or improving skills, talents, or potential. This is a very common usage in work or school settings.

Translation Hint

She is working hard to develop her talents.

Translation Hint

I want to improve my leadership skills through this project.

§ Common Phrases with 伸ばす

Here are a few more common ways you might hear 伸ばす:

• 手を伸ばす (te wo nobasu): To reach out one's hand
• 記録を伸ばす (kiroku wo nobasu): To extend a record (e.g., in sports)
• 足を伸ばす (ashi wo nobasu): To stretch one's legs; also idiomatically means to make a side trip or extend a journey.

Translation Hint

I reached my hand out for the item on the high shelf.

As you can see, 伸ばす is a versatile verb. Pay attention to the context, and you'll quickly get the hang of its different uses. Keep practicing, and don't be afraid to try using it in your own Japanese sentences!

You're learning Japanese, and you've come across the verb 伸ばす (nobasu). This word generally means 'to stretch' or 'to extend'. It's a useful A2 level verb that you'll hear and use frequently. Let's break down how to use it and when it's the right choice compared to similar words.

§ What 伸ばす means

The core meaning of 伸ばす (nobasu) is about making something longer, wider, or flatter. It can be physical or more abstract. Think of stretching a rubber band, extending your arm, or even postponing a deadline.

Meaning 1

To stretch (something physical)

This is perhaps the most common use. You use 伸ばす when you are actively making something physically longer or more expanded.

Karada o nobasu. (Stretch one's body.)

Ude o nobashite, ano hon o totte. (Stretch out your arm and get that book.)

Meaning 2

To extend (a period of time or a deadline)

You can also use 伸ばす when you want to talk about making something, like a deadline or a period of time, longer.

Shimekiri o isshūkan nobashita. (I extended the deadline by one week.)

Meaning 3

To grow (hair, beard, plants)

When it comes to things that grow, like hair or plants, 伸ばす is used to mean 'to let them grow longer'.

Kami o nobashiteiru. (I am growing my hair long.)

§ Similar words and when to use 伸ばす

Japanese has several words that can seem similar to 伸ばす. Let's look at a few and clarify their differences.

• 延ばす (nobasu): This is actually the same pronunciation and often the same meaning as 伸ばす (using the kanji 延). The distinction is subtle but important. 延ばす (延) is primarily used for extending time or distance, or postponing something. It focuses more on linear extension.

Kaigi no jikan o nobasu. (Extend the meeting time.)

While you can sometimes use 伸ばす (伸) for time, 延ばす (延) is a better fit when the emphasis is solely on extending a duration.

• 広げる (hirogeru): This means 'to spread out' or 'to widen'. While stretching can sometimes make something wider, 広げる specifically implies making something broad or expanding its area.

Chizu o hirogeru. (Spread out the map.)

You wouldn't typically use 伸ばす for spreading a map because the action is about increasing its surface area, not just its length.

• 伸びる (nobiru): This is the intransitive counterpart of 伸ばす. It means 'to stretch', 'to extend', or 'to grow' but it happens on its own, without a direct object performing the action.

Gomu ga nobiru. (The rubber stretches.)

Shinchō ga nobita. (My height increased/I grew taller.)

§ Summary for 伸ばす

Use 伸ばす (伸) for physically stretching, extending limbs, growing hair, or sometimes extending deadlines. When talking purely about extending time or distance, 延ばす (延) is often more precise. For something widening or spreading out, use 広げる. And if something stretches or grows on its own, use the intransitive 伸びる. Pay attention to the context, and you'll get it right.