Translation guide
The English verb 'enlarge' can mean to make something physically bigger, to increase in size, to expand a scope or scale, or to provide more details. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To increase the physical dimensions of something, such as a photo, a hole, or an object.
General term for enlarging something, especially images, photos, or scale. Commonly used for digital or printed media.
写真を拡大して印刷した。
I enlarged the photo and printed it.
I enlarge the map to look at it.
Casual, everyday phrase meaning 'to make bigger'. Can be used for physical objects, but less formal than 拡大する.
穴を大きくしてください。
Please enlarge the hole.
Specifically for enlarging photographs (printing a larger version). Also means 'to stretch'.
この写真を引き伸ばしてもらえますか。
Can you enlarge this photo for me?
To make something larger in scope, capacity, or scale, such as a business, a building, or a collection.
Used for expanding scope, scale, or influence. Common in business and abstract contexts.
事業を拡大する計画がある。
We have a plan to enlarge the business.
市場を拡大するために新製品を開発した。
We developed a new product to enlarge the market.
Often used for physical expansion of facilities, memory, or capacity. Implies extending or adding on.
工場を拡張して生産能力を上げた。
We enlarged the factory and increased production capacity.
メモリを拡張する。
Enlarge the memory (e.g., of a computer).
Casual alternative for making something larger in a general sense.
家を大きくしたい。
I want to enlarge the house.
To give more information or expand upon a statement or idea.
To explain in detail, to elaborate. Natural when asking someone to enlarge on a point.
その点について詳しく述べてください。
Please enlarge on that point.
To supplement or add information. Often used in formal or academic contexts.
先ほどの説明を補足します。
I will enlarge on my earlier explanation.
To grow or increase in size on its own, without an agent causing it.
Standard intransitive verb for 'to become big'. Used for natural growth or increase.
腫瘍が大きくなった。
The tumor enlarged.
瞳孔が大きくなる。
The pupils enlarge.
Can be used intransitively for scale or scope expanding, often in formal contexts.
市場が拡大している。
The market is enlarging.
拡大する is more general and abstract (enlarging scale, scope, images). 拡張する implies physical extension or adding capacity (buildings, memory). For photos, use 拡大する or 引き伸ばす.
Do not use 拡大する for 'enlarge on a point'. Instead use 詳しく述べる, 補足する, or 付け加える.
To add something extra, to append. Can be used when enlarging upon a topic by adding more points.
もう少し付け加えてもいいですか。
May I enlarge on that a little?