丈

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 丈(たけ) refers to the vertical length or height of something such as clothing or fabric.
• Basic usage: It is used for how far a skirt hangs down or the curtain length needed for a window.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Length and width
  • For a skirt or curtain, 丈 is its vertical length, distinct from 幅(はば), its width.
• Measuring in advance
  • 丈を測っておいた means measuring the length beforehand so it would be ready when needed.
  • ておいた adds the sense of an action done in advance as preparation.