Translation guide
The act of spreading information, knowledge, or ideas widely. In Japanese, the best choice depends on what is being spread and the method.
To make information, news, or knowledge widely known, often through media, campaigns, or official channels.
The most common and neutral term for spreading knowledge, technology, or practices. Often used for public awareness, education, or adoption of new methods.
インターネットの普及により、情報の伝達が速くなった。
With the spread of the internet, information dissemination has become faster.
このプロジェクトは環境保護の意識を普及させることを目的としている。
This project aims to disseminate awareness of environmental protection.
Making something widely known, often used in official or administrative contexts. Implies thorough notification.
新しい規則を社員に周知徹底してください。
Please ensure the new rules are thoroughly disseminated to all employees.
Widespread circulation of information, often with a nuance of rumors or unverified content. Can be negative.
その噂は瞬く間に流布した。
The rumor was disseminated in no time.
To hand out or send out physical or digital materials to many people.
Distribution of printed materials, flyers, handouts, or digital files. Focuses on the act of giving out.
会議の資料を参加者に配布した。
We disseminated the meeting materials to the participants.
Formal term for distribution, often used for publications or official documents. Less common in everyday speech.
To actively promote and spread a particular belief, ideology, or message, often with persuasive intent.
Propaganda, advertising, or promotion. Used for spreading ideas or products, sometimes with a negative connotation of manipulation.
政府は新しい政策を宣伝するためにキャンペーンを行った。
The government ran a campaign to disseminate the new policy.
Propagation of religious teachings. Specifically used for missionary work or spreading a faith.
Can also be used for spreading ideas or doctrines, but often implies uncontrolled or informal spread.
To spread information via television, radio, internet, or other mass media.
Transmission or sending out of information, especially from a source. Common in digital contexts.
企業はSNSを通じて情報を発信している。
Companies disseminate information through social media.
Broadcasting, specifically for TV and radio. Not used for print or online text.
普及 is neutral and often positive, focusing on adoption and awareness (e.g., technology, education). 宣伝 implies active promotion and can carry a nuance of propaganda or advertising, sometimes negative.
スマートフォンの普及
dissemination/spread of smartphones
政治的な宣伝
political propaganda/dissemination
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'dissemination'. Choose the term based on what is being spread and the context. Using 普及 for distributing flyers sounds unnatural; use 配布 instead.
This booklet is disseminated free of charge.
He is engaged in the dissemination of Christianity overseas.
The ideology was widely disseminated among young people.
そのニュースは全国に放送された。
The news was disseminated nationwide via broadcast.