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.
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.
Please enlarge the hole.
Specifically for enlarging photographs (printing a larger version). Also means 'to stretch'.
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.
We have a plan to enlarge the business.
We developed a new product to enlarge the market.
Often used for physical expansion of facilities, memory, or capacity. Implies extending or adding on.
Casual alternative for making something larger in a general sense.
I want to enlarge the house.
To give more information or expand upon a statement or idea.
To grow or increase in size on its own, without an agent causing it.
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.
enlarge an image
enlarge a parking lot
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.
We enlarged the factory and increased production capacity.
Enlarge the memory (e.g., of a computer).
To add something extra, to append. Can be used when enlarging upon a topic by adding more points.
May I enlarge on that a little?