Japanese word

長短

Pronunciation

Romajichōtan

Meaning

  • nounlength

Example

二つの文の長短を比べます。futa tsu no bun no chō tan o kura be ma su

I compare the lengths of two sentences.

Illustration for 長短 (length)

More examples

ひもの長短をそろえて、作品を作ります。hi mo no chō tan o so ro e te saku hin o tsuku ri ma su

We create a piece by making the strings the same length.

Core concept

Expresses a contrast between two sides, from greater or lesser length to advantages and disadvantages.

Common phrases

  • 長短を比較するchō tan o hi kaku su ru

    compare lengths

  • 長短を問わずchō tan o to wa zu

    regardless of length

Similar words

長所chōsho: A good quality or useful feature of a person, thing, or choice.
短所tansho: A weakness or unfavorable feature of a person, thing, or choice.

Definition in Japanese

物事の長いか短いかの程度。mono goto no naga i ka mijika i ka no tei do

Word origin

Combines 長 (chō, "long") and 短 (tan, "short"), and the pair names the contrast in the length of things.

Usage tips

  • In formal Japanese, 長短 (chōtan) can mean an option's advantages and disadvantages, so it appears in balanced discussions of choices rather than only in descriptions of physical length.

Other meanings

  • pros and consnoun

Word lists with this word