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.
Please spread out the map.
Transitive/intransitive suru-verb meaning to magnify, enlarge, or scale up. Common for images, scale, or scope.
Please enlarge the photo and look at it.
Transitive verb meaning to inflate or swell something, like a balloon or a dream. Implies filling with air or substance.
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.
Intransitive verb meaning to spread out, widen, or extend. Used for things like rumors, views, or physical spaces.
To increase in scope, influence, knowledge, or quantity.
Used for expanding business, influence, or scope. Can be transitive or intransitive.
To provide more details or develop a topic further.
Literally 'state in detail'. Common in formal or academic contexts.
To rewrite an expression by removing parentheses.
Standard mathematical term for expanding an expression.
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.
The company plans to expand overseas.
Often 'expand overseas' is expressed as 海外進出 (kaigai shinshutsu).
He expanded his business nationwide.
The company expanded its market share.
パン生地を伸ばす。
Roll out the bread dough.
A beautiful view spread out before my eyes.
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.
The bread expanded in the oven.
Intransitive use: to become enlarged or magnified. Same form as transitive, context determines.
The image enlarged.
I read books to expand my knowledge.
Metaphorical extension of physical spreading; used for expanding networks, horizons, etc.
Expand one's network of contacts.
To increase in number or quantity. More about count than scope.
Expand one's vocabulary.
Please expand on that point.
To develop or unfold an argument or story. Often used in writing.
He further expanded on the theory.
Please expand (x+1)^2.
熱で金属が膨張する。
Heat makes metal expand.
For thermal expansion, use 膨張する (bōchō suru).