Japanese word

伸ばす

Pronunciation

Romajinobasu

Meaning

  • verbgrow

Example

髪を伸ばしています。kami o no ba shi te i ma su

I am growing my hair out.

Illustration for 伸ばす (grow)

More examples

髪を伸ばすと、雰囲気が変わります。kami o no ba su to fun i ki ga ka wa ri ma su

Growing your hair out changes your look.

Core concept

It means making something extend in length, as when a person lets hair grow longer over time.

Common phrases

  • 髪を伸ばすkami o no ba su

    grow one's hair out

  • ひげを伸ばすhi ge o no ba su

    grow a beard

  • 爪を伸ばすtsume o no ba su

    grow one's nails out

Similar words

生やすhayasu: To make hair or facial hair grow from the skin.

Definition in Japanese

髪や爪などを切らずに長くする。kami ya tsume na do o ki ra zu ni naga ku su ru

Word origin

伸ばす (nobasu, "to make longer") is a native Japanese verb connected with 伸びる (nobiru, "to become longer"); the ending す (su) gives it a meaning of causing extension.

Usage tips

  • The English phrase grow out is commonly used for hair, while 伸ばす (nobasu) also covers other kinds of lengthening, such as extending an arm or stretching fabric.

Other meanings

  • let ___ growverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 伸ばし方nobashikataway of growing hair outnoun

Word lists with this word