深さ
fukasa
In Japanese, depth is expressed as 深さ (fukasa). Wiktionary also lists 深度 (shindo).
Meaning: vertical distance below a surface (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 深さ | fukasa | |
| 深度 | shindo | [ɕĩndo̞] (narrow) |
The term 深さ refers to the vertical distance below a surface. Note that if you are specifically referring to the depth of physical objects like a room or a bookshelf, you should use 奥行き. If you are describing the thickness or depth of materials such as a cushion or a carpet, use 厚み.
Which one should you use?
While both terms can mean depth, 深さ is the standard term for general measurements. In contrast, 深度 is a technical or scientific term often used in fields like meteorology or oceanography.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 深さ does not change its form based on whether the depth is singular or plural.
How do you pronounce it?
fukasa
Did you know?
- In Japanese literature and art, 'depth' is often associated with the concept of 幽玄 (yūgen), which describes a profound, mysterious sense of depth that is felt rather than seen.
- The word 深さ comes from the adjective 深い, which means 'deep'. In Japanese, adding さ to the end of many adjectives is a grammatical tool to instantly turn a quality into a measurable noun.
- The technical term 深度, shindo, is used not just for water, but is also the standard term for the 'depth' of an earthquake's focus or hypocenter.
Examples in context
- 湖の深さはどのくらいですか。What is the depth of the lake?This sentence is useful for asking about the depth of a lake using 深さ.Tatoeba #174492 by bunbuku, translation #48137 by CM
- マッコウクジラは、1,000メートルの深さまで潜ることができる。The sperm whale can dive to a depth of 1,000 meters.This sentence uses 深さ to describe a depth of 1,000 meters.Tatoeba #195368 by KK_kaku_, translation #32542 by CK
- われわれはその川の深さを測った。We measured the depth of the river.This sentence uses 深さ regarding the measurement of a river's depth.Tatoeba #191679 by mookeee, translation #28842 by CK
- この映画の奥深さに驚いたI was amazed by the depth of this movie
- その話の奥行きが深い。The depth of that story is profound.
- その研究の深さに感心いたしました。I am impressed by the depth of your research.
- 奥行きのある絵A painting with depth
Example conversation
Two people are looking at a map of a swimming pool.
- 陽太 Yotaこのプールの深さはどのくらいですか。Kono puuru no fukasa wa dono kurai desu ka.How deep is this pool?
- 陽葵 Himari深さは1.5メートルです。Fukasa wa ichi ten go meetoru desu.The depth is 1.5 meters.
- 陽太 Yota泳ぐのにちょうどいい深さですね。Oyogu no ni choudo ii fukasa desu ne.It is a perfect depth for swimming.
- 陽葵 Himariはい、とても安全ですよ。Hai, totemo anzen desu yo.Yes, it is very safe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “depth” translations and entries 深度, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
