Dictionary
English - Japanese

Mile

maɪl
Extremely common
700 - 800
700 - 800
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

マイル (mairu), マイル (mairu) as a metaphorical distance, マイル (mairu) in idiomatic expressions

Mile meanings in Japanese

マイル (mairu)

Example:
The store is two miles away.
その店は2マイル離れています。
I ran a mile this morning.
今朝、1マイル走りました。
Usage: formalContext: Used in distance measurements, especially in contexts related to travel or sports.
Note: マイル is a unit of distance equal to approximately 1.609 kilometers. It is commonly used in the U.S. and the U.K.

マイル (mairu) as a metaphorical distance

Example:
She is a mile ahead in the competition.
彼女は競技で1マイル先を行っています。
You have come a long mile in your studies.
あなたは学業で長い道のりを歩んできました。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used metaphorically to indicate a significant advantage or progress.
Note: In this context, マイル conveys a sense of progress or distance in achievements, not physical distance.

マイル (mairu) in idiomatic expressions

Example:
He went the extra mile to help her.
彼は彼女を助けるために余分な努力をしました。
Going the extra mile can make a difference.
余分に努力することが違いを生むことがあります。
Usage: informalContext: Used in everyday speech to express going beyond what is necessary.
Note: This idiom suggests putting in extra effort, which is often appreciated in various situations, such as work or personal relationships.

Mile's synonyms

kilometer

A kilometer is a unit of length equal to 1,000 meters, which is used in the metric system. It is approximately equal to 0.621 miles.
Example: The next town is about 5 kilometers away.
Note: Kilometer is a metric unit of length, whereas mile is an imperial unit of length.

league

A league is an old unit of distance that was commonly used in sea navigation, equal to about 3 miles or 4.8 kilometers.
Example: The ship sailed for many leagues before reaching the shore.
Note: League is an archaic unit of measurement primarily used in historical contexts, while mile is a modern unit of length.

nautical mile

A nautical mile is a unit of distance used in sea and air navigation, equal to approximately 1.15 statute miles or 1.85 kilometers.
Example: The lighthouse is located 2 nautical miles from the harbor.
Note: Nautical mile is specifically used in marine and aviation contexts, while mile is a general unit of length.

click

In military jargon, a click is slang for a kilometer, derived from the sound of the odometer in a military vehicle.
Example: The target is 2 clicks to the east.
Note: Click is an informal term used in military contexts, while mile is a standard unit of measurement.

Mile expressions, common phrases

Milestone

A significant event or achievement that marks a point of progress.
Example: Her graduation was a major milestone in her life.
Note: Derived from 'mile' but used metaphorically to indicate a significant point in a journey or development.

Miles away

To be lost in thought or daydreaming, not paying attention to the current situation.
Example: Her mind was miles away during the meeting.
Note: Uses 'miles' as a measure of distance to convey being mentally far from the present.

Make a mile

To cover a distance quickly or efficiently.
Example: With her quick pace, she could make a mile in no time.
Note: Refers to covering a physical distance, emphasizing speed or efficiency.

A mile a minute

Speaking very fast or at a rapid pace.
Example: He talks a mile a minute; it's hard to keep up with him.
Note: Uses 'mile' as a measure of speed, suggesting speaking quickly.

Go the extra mile

To make additional effort or do more than what is expected.
Example: She always goes the extra mile to help her friends.
Note: Derived from 'mile' but used figuratively to mean putting in extra effort or going beyond what is required.

Stone's throw away

Very close in distance; a short distance away.
Example: The beach is just a stone's throw away from our hotel.
Note: Uses 'stone's throw' instead of 'mile' to indicate a short distance, emphasizing proximity.

Mile a minute

At a very fast pace or speed.
Example: The roller coaster was going a mile a minute; it was thrilling!
Note: Similar to 'a mile a minute,' emphasizing rapid movement or speed.

Mile everyday (slang) expressions

On the same wavelength

This slang term means to be in agreement or understanding with someone.
Example: I feel like we're on the same wavelength when it comes to our music taste.
Note: This term is used figuratively to express rapport or compatibility, unlike the literal measurement of a mile.

Hit the ground running

This slang term means to begin a new activity or job with maximum effort and energy.
Example: She started her new job and hit the ground running, quickly adapting to her tasks.
Note: The emphasis here is on starting strong and maintaining momentum, similar to the distance covered when running a mile.

Pound the pavement

This slang term means to actively seek something, usually employment or opportunities, by going out and physically looking for it.
Example: In order to find a job, you have to pound the pavement and distribute your resume to various places.
Note: It reflects the physical act of walking or traveling on foot, similar to covering a distance commonly associated with a mile.

Crying mile

This slang term means crying a lot or crying intensely.
Example: When she saw the surprise her friends prepared for her birthday, she was crying mile.
Note: This term exaggerates the amount of tears shed, comparing it to the distance of a mile for dramatic effect.

Give someone an inch and they’ll take a mile

This saying means that if you give someone a small opportunity or freedom, they will try to take advantage of it by taking more than what was originally offered.
Example: I let him borrow my car once, and now he's asking to borrow it every weekend. Give someone an inch and they’ll take a mile, right?
Note: The comparison of giving an inch and taking a mile reflects the concept of taking advantage of a situation beyond what was initially permitted, resembling the idea of exploiting a small concession.

Move the goalposts

This slang term means changing the terms of an agreement or setting new conditions after the initial ones were already agreed upon.
Example: Every time we agree on a deadline, he tends to move the goalposts and ask for more time.
Note: The term originates from sports where the goalposts mark the scoring area; moving them shifts the target, akin to altering the terms of an agreement.

Mile - Examples

The next town is 10 miles away.
The milestone marks the halfway point of the journey.
The signpost shows the distance in miles.

Mile grammar

Mile - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: mile
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): miles
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): mile
Syllables, Separation and Stress
mile Contains 1 syllables: mile
Phonetic transcription: ˈmī(-ə)l
mile , ˈmī( ə)l (The red syllable is stressed)

Mile - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
mile: 700 - 800 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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