距離(きょり)

きょり
noun
distance
1. distance
The amount of space between two points or places.
東京(とうきょう)から大阪(おおさか)までの距離(きょり)は約500キロだ。
The distance from Tokyo to Osaka is about 500 kilometers.
駅(えき)までの距離(きょり)を調(しら)べる。
To check the distance to the station.
長(ちょう)距離(きょり)の運転(うんてん)は疲(つか)れる。
Long-distance driving is tiring.
2. emotional distance; gap
Figurative distance in relationships or feelings.
距離(きょり)を置(お)く。
To keep one's distance.
二人(ふたり)の間(あいだ)に距離(きょり)ができた。
A gap has formed between the two of them.
あの人(ひと)とは少(すこ)し距離(きょり)を置(お)いた方(ほう)がいいと思(おも)う。
I think you should keep a bit of distance from that person.

距離(きょり) refers to physical distance between places, and also figuratively to emotional or social distance between people.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 距離(きょり)を置(お)く: to keep distance (physical or emotional)
  • 距離(きょり)を縮(ちぢ)める: to close the distance/gap
  • 距離(きょり)感(かん): sense of distance (especially social)

COMPOUNDS:

  • 長(ちょう)距離(きょり): long distance
  • 短(たん)距離(きょり): short distance
  • 近(きん)距離(きょり): close range
  • 走行(そうこう)距離(きょり): mileage, distance traveled

FIGURATIVE USAGE:
The emotional sense is very common: 距離(きょり)を置(お)く (to distance oneself from someone), 距離(きょり)が近(ちか)い (to be close/friendly with someone), 距離(きょり)ができる (a gap forms between people).

Related Words

Related: 長(なが)さ (length)
general
Added 2026.1.16 14:20 · Revised 2026.4.14 12:00
05000/05331_kyori