What is the Kanji for "Spread" and "Stretch"?

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Spread" and "Stretch", you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for "Spread" and "Stretch" is "張".

This kanji has 2 readings:

Its kunyomi reading is "Ha".

Its onyomi reading is "Chou".

kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.

If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:

The kanji "弓" means "Bow" and can be read as "Kyuu" and "Yumi". And The kanji "長" means "Long" and "Leader" and can be read as "Chou" and "Naga".

Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.

What does the kanji "張" mean in japanese?

"張" means "Spread" and "Stretch" .

Japanese School Students learn this kanji in Fifth Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N1 exam.

Here are some words that use this kanji:

矢張り: "Still" or "As expected". The Japanese adverb '矢張り (やはり)' can mean 'still' or 'as expected'. It is often used to express that something remains unchanged or that a situation has turned out as one anticipated. This word can convey a sense of inevitability or confirmation of one's expectations. For example: I thought it would rain, and sure enough, it did「雨が降ると思ったら、やはり降った」(あめがふるとおもったら、やはりふった). Even after all these years, he is still the same「何年たっても、彼はやはり変わらない」(なんねんたっても、かれはやはりかわらない). '矢張り' is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts to emphasize that something is consistent with what was previously thought or known.

頑張る: "Persist". The Japanese verb '頑張る (がんばる)' means 'to persist' or 'to do one's best'. It is commonly used to encourage someone to keep trying or to put in effort. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as work, studies, sports, or personal challenges. For example: I will do my best at work「仕事で頑張ります」(しごとでがんばります). Please do your best in the exam「試験で頑張ってください」(しけんでがんばってください). It's important to note that '頑張る' can also be used to express encouragement or support, as in '頑張って！ (がんばって！) (Do your best!)'.

張る: "Stretch" or "Apply". The Japanese verb '張る (はる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to stretch' or 'to extend', often used when describing something being pulled tight or spread out. For example: stretch the canvas「キャンバスを張る」(キャンバスをはる). The second meaning is 'to apply' or 'to attach', commonly used when sticking or affixing something onto a surface. For example: apply a sticker「シールを張る」(シールをはる). This verb is versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as physical actions or metaphorical extensions. Note that '張る' can also imply tension or effort, as in 'to strain' or 'to exert' in certain contexts.

主張: "Claim" or "Assertion". The Japanese verbal noun '主張 (しゅちょう)' means 'claim' or 'assertion'. It refers to the act of stating or declaring something firmly, often in the context of expressing an opinion, belief, or position. This word is commonly used in discussions, debates, or when someone is emphasizing their point of view. For example: He made a strong claim about the policy「彼はその政策について強く主張した」(かれはそのせいさくについてつよくしゅちょうした). Her assertion was supported by evidence「彼女の主張は証拠によって裏付けられていた」(かのじょのしゅちょうはしょうこによってうらづけられていた). Note that '主張' can also imply a sense of insistence or determination in one's stance.

引っ張る: "Pull" or "Stretch". The Japanese verb '引っ張る (ひっぱる)' primarily means 'to pull' or 'to stretch'. It is used to describe physically pulling something, such as pulling a rope or dragging an object. It can also metaphorically mean to stretch something, like stretching the truth or extending a deadline. For example: He pulled the rope「彼はロープを引っ張った」(かれはロープをひっぱった). The boss stretched the deadline「上司は締め切りを引っ張った」(じょうしはしめきりをひっぱった). Note that this verb often implies a continuous or forceful action, and it is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts.

張り: "Stretch". The Japanese suffix '張り (はり)' is often used to indicate a sense of stretch, tension, or extension. It can be attached to nouns to describe something that is stretched or taut, or to convey a feeling of tightness or firmness. For example: a tight rope「張りのあるロープ」(はりのあるロープ). This suffix can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional tension or enthusiasm. For example: full of enthusiasm「張り切っている」(はりきっている). It's important to note that '張り' is often used in compound words to modify the meaning of the base noun, adding a sense of tension or extension.

緊張: "Tension" or "Nervousness". The Japanese verbal noun '緊張 (きんちょう)' refers to a state of mental or physical strain, often due to stress, anxiety, or anticipation. It can describe both emotional nervousness and physical tension. For example: I felt nervous before the presentation「プレゼンの前に緊張した」(ぷれぜんのまえにきんちょうした). The tension in the room was palpable「部屋の緊張が感じられた」(へやのきんちょうがかんじられた). This word is commonly used in situations involving high-pressure scenarios, such as exams, performances, or important meetings. It can also describe the physical tension in muscles or objects, like a tightly stretched rope.

拡張: "Expansion". The Japanese verbal noun '拡張 (かくちょう)' means 'expansion'. It refers to the act of making something larger or more extensive, often used in contexts such as technology, business, or physical spaces. For example: The company is planning an expansion「会社は拡張を計画している」(かいしゃはかくちょうをけいかくしている). The software supports memory expansion「そのソフトウェアはメモリの拡張をサポートしている」(そのソフトウェアはメモリのかくちょうをサポートしている). This term is commonly used in technical or formal settings and implies growth or extension beyond current limits.

出張: "Business trip". The Japanese verbal noun '出張 (しゅっちょう)' refers to a 'business trip'. It is used to describe traveling for work-related purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or other professional duties. This term is commonly used in professional settings and implies that the trip is work-related rather than personal. For example: I have a business trip tomorrow「明日は出張です」(あしたはしゅっちょうです). He went on a business trip to Osaka「彼は大阪に出張しました」(かれはおおさかにしゅっちょうしました). Note that '出張' is often used with verbs like する (to do) or 行く (to go) to indicate the action of going on a business trip.

威張る: "Boast". The Japanese verb '威張る (いばる)' means 'to boast' or 'to act arrogantly'. It is used to describe someone who is showing off or behaving in a self-important manner. This verb often carries a negative connotation, implying that the person is being overly proud or domineering. For example: he boasts about his success「彼は成功を威張る」(かれはせいこうをいばる). She acts arrogantly in front of others「彼女は他人の前で威張る」(かのじょはたにんのまえでいばる). The verb can also be used to describe someone who is trying to assert dominance or authority in a way that is seen as unnecessary or excessive.

見張る: "Watch" or "Guard". The Japanese verb '見張る (みはる)' means 'to watch' or 'to guard'. It is used to describe the act of keeping a close eye on something or someone, often to prevent danger or ensure safety. This verb is commonly used in contexts involving surveillance, security, or monitoring. For example: The guard is watching the entrance「警備員が入り口を見張っている」(けいびいんがはいりぐちをみはっている). She watched the children playing in the park「彼女は公園で遊んでいる子供たちを見張っていた」(かのじょはこうえんであそんでいるこどもたちをみはっていた). Note that '見張る' can also imply vigilance or alertness, as in watching for potential threats or changes.

張り切る: "Enthusiastic". The Japanese verb '張り切る (はりきる)' means to be enthusiastic, eager, or full of energy. It is often used to describe someone who is putting in extra effort or is highly motivated to achieve something. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as work, sports, or personal projects. For example: He is very enthusiastic about his new job「彼は新しい仕事に張り切っている」(かれはあたらしいしごとにはりきっている). She was so eager to start the project「彼女はそのプロジェクトを始めるのに張り切っていた」(かのじょはそのプロジェクトをはじめるのにはりきっていた). The nuance of '張り切る' often implies a visible display of energy or effort, sometimes to the point of overdoing it.

欲張り: "Greedy". The Japanese adjectival noun '欲張り (よくばり)' refers to someone who is greedy or has an excessive desire for more than what is needed or deserved. It can describe a person who wants too much, whether it be material possessions, attention, or other desires. For example: He is greedy「彼は欲張りだ」(かれはよくばりだ). Don't be greedy「欲張りにならないで」(よくばりにならないで). The term often carries a negative connotation, implying selfishness or lack of contentment. It can also be used to describe actions or behaviors that reflect greed, such as taking more than one's fair share.

To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.

But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.

Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.

This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:

The hiragana "ち" is read as "chi". The hiragana "う" is read as "u". And The hiragana "は" is read as "ha".

kanji

張

Meaning

Spread, Stretch

Reading

onyomiちょうkunyomiは

Parts

弓Bow 長Long, Leader

Handwriting

Example Word

矢張り: still or as expected. The Japanese adverb '矢張り (やはり)' can mean 'still' or 'as expected'. It is often used to express that something remains unchanged or that a situation has turned out as one anticipated. This word can convey a sense of inevitability or confirmation of one's expectations. For example: I thought it would rain, and sure enough, it did「雨が降ると思ったら、やはり降った」(あめがふるとおもったら、やはりふった). Even after all these years, he is still the same「何年たっても、彼はやはり変わらない」(なんねんたっても、かれはやはりかわらない). '矢張り' is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts to emphasize that something is consistent with what was previously thought or known.

hiragana

ち

Reading

Chi

Handwriting

hiragana

う

Reading

Handwriting

hiragana

は

Reading

Handwriting