Translation guide
The English word "broad" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: wide in physical extent, wide in range or scope, general/non-specific, and strong accent. It also notes less common or literary uses.
Describing something that is wide from side to side, such as a road, river, shoulders, or a smile.
The most common and general word for 'wide' or 'spacious'. Used for roads, rooms, spaces, etc.
This road is broad, isn't it?
He has broad shoulders.
Literally 'wide-width'. Emphasizes the physical width of an object. Often used for things like roads, belts, or ribbons.
A broad road was constructed.
Describing something that covers a large variety or extensive area, such as knowledge, experience, selection, or agreement.
Used for a wide range of things, such as knowledge, interests, or selection. More common than 広い for abstract breadth.
He has broad knowledge.
Formal, often written. Means 'extensive' or 'wide-ranging'. Used for influence, authority, or surveys.
The policy gained broad support.
Can also be used for abstract breadth, like 'broad-minded' or 'broad agreement', but 幅広い is often more natural for range.
Describing something that is not specific or detailed, such as a broad outline, broad category, or broad sense.
Means 'rough', 'approximate', or 'broad'. Used for outlines, categories, or explanations that are not detailed.
Please explain the broad plan.
Similar to 大まかな, but can imply a slightly more careless or rough approach. Often used for estimates or descriptions.
Means 'in a broad sense'. Used in academic or technical contexts to distinguish from a narrow definition.
Culture in the broad sense includes customs.
Describing a noticeable regional or foreign accent.
The phrase 'in broad daylight' meaning openly during the day.
広い (hiroi) is the general adjective for 'wide' or 'spacious'. 幅広い (habahiroi) specifically emphasizes width and is often used for physical objects or abstract ranges. For 'broad knowledge', 幅広い知識 is more natural than 広い知識, though both are possible.
Do not translate 'broad' directly as 広い when describing an accent. 広い訛り is not natural. Use 強い訛り or きつい訛り instead.
This store has a broad selection of goods.
He is broad-minded.
Broadly speaking, the problem is the budget.
Drinking alcohol in broad daylight, really?