noun
foot of a mountain; base of a mountain
Refers to the lower slopes or the plain at the base of a mountain.
富士山の裾野には広大な森林が広がっている。
A vast forest spreads out at the foot of Mount Fuji.
noun
Metaphorical extension: the broad base or scope of something, such as a field of study, a market, or a social movement. Often used in phrases like 裾野が広い (broad-based) or 裾野を広げる (broaden the base).
この技術は裾野が広く、さまざまな産業で応用されている。
This technology has a broad range and is applied in various industries.
ボランティア活動の裾野を
We held local information sessions to broaden the base of volunteer activities.
Also means 'foot of a mountain', but is more formal and often used in geographical or literary contexts. 裾野 is more common in everyday language and news.
Means 'range' or 'scope' in a general sense, without the metaphorical image of a mountain base. 裾野 emphasizes a broad, spreading base or foundation.
Compound of 裾 (suso, 'hem' or 'lower part') and 野 (no, 'field' or 'plain'), literally 'the field at the hem of a mountain'. The metaphorical sense of 'range' or 'spread' derives from the image of a mountain's broad base.