1.
to stretch, to extend
To make something longer.
手を伸ばす。
To stretch out one's hand.
髪を伸ばす。
To grow one's hair.
背筋を伸ばして、きちんと座ってください。
Straighten your back and sit properly.
2.
to grow, to develop
To increase or improve.
能力を伸ばす。
To develop one's abilities.
売り上げを伸ばす。
To increase sales.
子供の才能を伸ばすために、いろいろな経験をさせたい。
I want to give my child various experiences to develop their talents.
伸ばす means to stretch, extend, or grow something.
TRANSITIVITY:
- Type: 他動詞 (transitive)
- Pair: 伸びる (intransitive - to stretch, grow)
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 手を伸ばす: to reach out one's hand
- 髪を伸ばす: to grow out one's hair
- 背筋を伸ばす: to straighten one's back
- 能力を伸ばす: to develop one's abilities
- 記録を伸ばす: to extend a record
KANJI DISTINCTION:
- 伸ばす: to stretch physically, to develop
- 延ばす: to extend, postpone (time, deadlines)