Translation and Meaning of: 延ばす - nobasu

If you are studying Japanese or have curiosity about the language, you may have come across the word 延ばす (のばす). It appears in various contexts, from everyday conversations to more formal situations. In this article, we will explore its meaning, practical uses, and even some tips to memorize it. Here at Suki Nihongo, our aim is to provide clear and precise explanations for those who want to master the language.

延ばす is a verb that carries interesting nuances, and understanding how it works can enrich your vocabulary. In addition to uncovering its most common translation, let’s analyze how the Japanese use it in daily life, its relation to local culture, and even examples that help reinforce learning. Whether it's to expand your knowledge or resolve specific doubts, this guide gets straight to the point.

Meaning and uses of 延ばす

In its essence, 延ばす means "to extend," "to prolong," or "to lengthen." It is often used to indicate the extension of deadlines, such as postponing an appointment or increasing the time for an activity. For example, in a work environment, it is common to hear phrases like 締め切りを延ばす (to extend the deadline) or 会議を延ばす (to prolong the meeting).

In addition to the temporal sense, the verb can also refer to physical actions, such as stretching bread dough or elongating a flexible object. This versatility makes 延ばす a useful word in different scenarios. It is worth noting that, although it shares similarities with 伸ばす (のばす), which also means "to stretch," the latter is more related to growth or development, as in the case of hair or skills.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 延 is composed of the radical 廴 (prolonged movement) combined with 丿 (diagonal stroke). This structure suggests the idea of something that extends in space or time. Historically, it derives from Chinese characters that represented concepts such as "dragging" or "advancing gradually," reinforcing the notion of prolongation.

Interestingly, 延ばす is not a rare term in modern Japanese. According to the National Institute for Japanese Language's Word Database, it frequently appears in official documents, manuals, and even in the media. Its kun'yomi reading (のばす) is more common in everyday use, while the on'yomi (えん) appears in compounds like 延期 (えんき, postponement).

Tips for memorizing and avoiding confusion

An effective way to differentiate 延ばす from 伸ばす is to remember that the first is related to deadlines and external actions (like extending a meeting), while the second refers to intrinsic characteristics (like growing hair). Associating the radical 廴 with a road that stretches into the horizon can help visualize the concept.

Another strategy is to practice with real examples. Animes and dramas often use 延ばす in contexts of procrastination or negotiations, like when a character asks to 支払いを延ばす (postpone a payment). Observing these uses in concrete situations makes it easier to internalize the vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 延ばす

延ば - dictionary form
延ばし - Conjunctive form
延ばせ - Imperative form
延ばす - Form of affirmative
延ばします - Polite form of affirmative

Synonyms and similar words

伸ばす (nobasu) - Stretch or extend something.
伸びる (nobiru) - To grow or to stretch.
延伸する (enshin suru) - Extend or prolong something, usually in the context of infrastructure.
延長する (enchou suru) - Extend a deadline or period.
延期する (enki suru) - To postpone or delay something.
延べる (noberu) - To be extensible or to apply to a limit.
延ばし (nobashi) - The act of stretching or elongating.
延ばし延ばす (nobashi nobasu) - Extend or prolong a deadline or action even further.
延ばし伸ばす (nobashi nobasu) - To extend the act of stretching in a more prolonged sense.
延ばし延べる (nobashi noberu) - Extend to the point of being applicable to a limit.
延ばし伸べる (nobashi nobeleru) - Extend in a sense of applicability.
延ばし延伸する (nobashi enshin suru) - Prolong through an extensive act.
延ばし延長する (nobashi enchou suru) - Extend deadlines or extended periods.
延ばし延期する (nobashi enki suru) - Postpone extended actions.