縄張(なわば)り

なわばり
noun
territory, turf
societygeography
1. territory, turf, domain
An area that a person, group, or animal claims as their own and defends from others. Originally referred to marking land boundaries with rope.
猫(ねこ)は縄張(なわば)りを守(まも)る。
Cats protect their territory.
ここは彼(かれ)らの縄張(なわば)りだ。
This is their turf.
縄張(なわば)り意識(いしき)が強(つよ)すぎると、協力(きょうりょく)が難(むずか)しくなる。
If territorial awareness is too strong, cooperation becomes difficult.

縄張(なわば)り refers to a territory or sphere of influence that one claims and defends.

Origin: Literally "rope stretching" - from the practice of marking land boundaries with rope.

Common collocations

  • 縄張(なわば)り意識(いしき) (territorial awareness/instinct)
  • 縄張(なわば)り争(あらそ)い (territorial dispute)
  • 縄張(なわば)りを守(まも)る (protect one's territory)
  • 縄張(なわば)りを荒(あ)らす (encroach on someone's turf)

Usage note: Used for animal territories, gang territories, and figuratively for professional or bureaucratic domains.

Related Words

Compare: 勢力圏(せいりょくけん) (sphere of influence)
Compare: マーキング (marking)
Compare: 勢力範囲(せいりょくはんい) (sphere of influence)
general
Added 2026.2.1 16:48 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
09000/09337_nawabari