The Meaning of kankaku [間隔] In Japanese

間隔
かんかく
Romaji: kankaku N4

What does 間隔 mean?

Translation and Meaning

interval, gap, spacing, pause

Definition

What does 間隔 mean? It denotes the interval or space between two things, whether in physical distance or in time, capturing the idea of a measurable gap that allows separation, spacing, or cadence in a sequence.

Type

Noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Interval or gap between two objects or points
  • Time interval or lapse between events
  • Spacing in design, layout, or mechanism to ensure regularity
  • Figurative distance or separation, such as a gap in coverage or response

Etymology

kanji lineage 間 (between, space) + 隔 (to separate, distance): combined, they express a measured interval or gap.

Composition

  • 間: space, between
  • 隔: separation, gap
  • Combined meaning: a measured interval or spacing between two items or moments

Usage

Used in formal, technical contexts to describe spacing or intervals; common collocations include 間隔を開ける, 間隔を保つ, 等間隔に配置する, 時間的間隔を測定する.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: visualize a ruler between two objects to keep a neat space; the first kanji means between, the second means separation, so 間隔 is the precise space between items.

Variations

  • 距離 kyori — distance
  • 間 ma — interval or gap

Example Phrases

  • 会議室では間隔をあけて席を取る。
    Kaigishitsu de wa kankaku o akete seki o toru.
    In the meeting room, keep a safe distance and take a seat.
    Lista:
    • 会議室 (kaigishitsu) – meeting room
    • では (de wa) – in/at
    • 間隔 (kankaku) – interval
    • を (o) – (object marker)
    • あけて (akete) – to open/leave space
    • 席 (seki) – seat
    • を (o) – (object marker)
    • 取る (toru) – to take
    In this sentence, 「間隔」 marks the space you keep; it is used with を to indicate what you create or maintain.
間隔