次元
jigen[d͡ʑiɡẽ̞ɴ]
The English word "dimension" is translated into Japanese as 次元 (jigen).
The term 次元 is used both in mathematical/physical contexts (e.g., three-dimensional space) and metaphorically to describe a level or scale of something (e.g., 'a different dimension of problem').
Meaning: measure of spatial extent (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
jigen
Did you know?
- The phrase 次元が違う is used to describe a person whose talent is so superior that they are effectively in a different league.
- The term 次元 was specifically coined during the Meiji era to translate Western mathematical concepts into Japanese.
- Anime and manga often use the specific term 次元跳躍 to describe the act of 'dimension jumping' between parallel universes.
Examples in context
- そのビルの高さは何メートルですか？What is the height of that building in meters?
- この箱の寸法は何センチですか？What are the dimensions of this box in centimeters?
- この図形は三次元の形をしています。Kono zukei wa sanjigen no katachi o shite imasu.This geometric figure has a three-dimensional shape.
- 二次元の絵に立体感を出したいです。Nijigen no e ni rittaikan o dashitai desu.I want to add a sense of depth to a two-dimensional drawing.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a physics problem in class.
- 大翔 Hirotoこの問題は次元を考えるのが難しいね。Kono mondai wa jigen o kangaeru no ga muzukashii ne.It's hard to think about the dimensions in this problem, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misaki本当だね。大翔くんはどう思う？Hontou da ne. Hiroto-kun wa dou omou?You're right. What do you think, Hiroto?
- 大翔 Hiroto三次元で考えると簡単だと思うよ。San-jigen de kangaeru to kantan da to omou yo.I think it's easier if you think of it in three dimensions.
- 美咲 Misakiなるほど、やってみるね。Naruhodo, yatte miru ne.I see, I'll try that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 次元, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 次元, CC BY-SA 4.0.
