(ぎょうかん)

ぎょうかん
noun
line spacing; between the lines
1. line spacing; space between lines
The physical space between lines of text in writing or printing.
行間(ぎょうかん)(ひろ)げると()みやすくなる。
Widening the line spacing makes it easier to read.
このフォントは行間(ぎょうかん)(せま)くて()みにくい。
This font has narrow line spacing and is hard to read.
レポートの行間(ぎょうかん)を1.5(ばい)設定(せってい)してください。
Please set the report's line spacing to 1.5.
2. between the lines; implied meaning
The unstated or hidden meaning in text or speech, similar to 'reading between the lines' in English.
行間(ぎょうかん)()(ちから)大切(たいせつ)だ。
The ability to read between the lines is important.
彼女(かのじょ)のメールの行間(ぎょうかん)から不満(ふまん)(つた)わってきた。
I could sense her dissatisfaction from reading between the lines of her email.
手紙(てがみ)行間(ぎょうかん)()()(さび)しさがにじんでいた。
The writer's loneliness seeped through the lines of the letter.

Composed of (ぎょう) (line/row) + (かん) (space/between).

SENSE 1 — LINE SPACING:

Used in publishing, word processing, and design.

  • 行間(ぎょうかん)(ひろ)げる: to widen line spacing
  • 行間(ぎょうかん)()める: to tighten line spacing
  • 行間(ぎょうかん)設定(せってい)する: to set line spacing

SENSE 2 — IMPLIED MEANING:

Figurative, meaning the unstated implications behind words.

  • 行間(ぎょうかん)()む: to read between the lines
  • 行間(ぎょうかん)から()()る: to infer from between the lines

This figurative sense is especially important in Japanese culture, where indirect communication is valued.