1.
to stretch, to spread, to extend
To stretch something taut or to spread something out over an area. Used for ropes, nets, tents, ice forming on surfaces, and similar things that extend or cover an area.
池に氷が張った。
Ice formed on the pond.
テントを張ってキャンプした。
We pitched a tent and camped.
庭に蜘蛛の巣がいっぱい張っている。
The garden is full of spider webs.
2.
to be tense, to stiffen, to strain
For muscles, nerves, or feelings to become taut or strained. Also used for one's voice projecting strongly.
肩が張っている。
My shoulders are stiff.
緊張で神経が張りつめていた。
My nerves were on edge from the tension.
試合前の選手たちの顔には張りつめた空気があった。
There was a tense atmosphere on the faces of the athletes before the match.
3.
to be stubborn, to insist, to put on airs
To stubbornly hold to a position, to put on a brave front, or to act proud. Often used with words like 意地 or 見栄.
意地を張るな。
Don't be so stubborn.
見栄を張って高い服を買ってしまった。
I put on airs and bought expensive clothes.
いつまでも強気を張っていないで、素直に助けを求めなさい。
Stop putting on a brave front and just honestly ask for help.
USAGE:
An extremely versatile verb with many uses. The core meaning involves something becoming taut, extended, or spread out. It can be both transitive (テントを張る, to pitch a tent) and intransitive (氷が張る, ice forms).
GRAMMAR:
Godan verb ending in る. Can function as both transitive and intransitive depending on context.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 氷が張る: ice forms (on a surface)
- テントを張る: to pitch a tent
- 意地を張る: to be stubborn
- 見栄を張る: to put on airs
- 肩が張る: shoulders are stiff
- 根を張る: to take root
- 気を張る: to be on edge, to stay alert
Related Words
Related:
貼る (to paste, to stick)