Translation guide
The English verb 'expand' covers a range of meanings from physical enlargement to abstract growth. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on what is expanding and how.
To make something physically larger in size, volume, or area.
Transitive verb meaning to spread out, widen, or extend something flat or two-dimensional. Often used for maps, wings, or business.
地図を広げてください。
Please spread out the map.
彼は事業を全国に広げた。
He expanded his business nationwide.
Transitive/intransitive suru-verb meaning to magnify, enlarge, or scale up. Common for images, scale, or scope.
写真を拡大して見てください。
Please enlarge the photo and look at it.
会社は市場シェアを拡大した。
The company expanded its market share.
Transitive verb meaning to inflate or swell something, like a balloon or a dream. Implies filling with air or substance.
風船を膨らませた。
I inflated the balloon.
Transitive verb meaning to stretch or lengthen something, like dough or a rubber band. Focuses on one-dimensional extension.
To become larger in size, volume, or area on its own.
To increase in scope, influence, knowledge, or quantity.
Used for expanding business, influence, or scope. Can be transitive or intransitive.
知識を拡大するために本を読む。
I read books to expand my knowledge.
To provide more details or develop a topic further.
Literally 'state in detail'. Common in formal or academic contexts.
その点について詳しく述べてください。
Please expand on that point.
To rewrite an expression by removing parentheses.
Standard mathematical term for expanding an expression.
(x+1)^2を展開してください。
Please expand (x+1)^2.
広げる (hirogeru) implies spreading out something flat or extending a range, while 拡大する (kakudai suru) implies magnifying or scaling up, often in a more abstract or technical sense. For business, both can be used, but 拡大する sounds more formal.
膨らむ (fukuramu) is for physical swelling. Using it for expanding knowledge or business sounds unnatural.
その会社は海外に進出する計画です。
The company plans to expand overseas.
Often 'expand overseas' is expressed as 海外進出 (kaigai shinshutsu).
Roll out the bread dough.
Intransitive verb meaning to spread out, widen, or extend. Used for things like rumors, views, or physical spaces.
目の前に美しい景色が広がっていた。
A beautiful view spread out before my eyes.
うわさがすぐに広がった。
The rumor spread quickly.
Intransitive verb meaning to swell or expand, like a balloon or a budget. Often used for things filling with air or hope.
パンがオーブンで膨らんだ。
The bread expanded in the oven.
Intransitive use: to become enlarged or magnified. Same form as transitive, context determines.
画像が拡大した。
The image enlarged.
Metaphorical extension of physical spreading; used for expanding networks, horizons, etc.
人脈を広げる。
Expand one's network of contacts.
To increase in number or quantity. More about count than scope.
語彙を増やす。
Expand one's vocabulary.
To develop or unfold an argument or story. Often used in writing.
彼はその理論をさらに展開した。
He further expanded on the theory.