Translation guide
The English word 'extending' covers a range of meanings from physical stretching to temporal prolongation. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
To physically lengthen or stretch out an object, such as a line, a road, or a body part.
Transitive verb meaning to stretch or lengthen something. Used for extending physical objects like a rope, a line, or one's hand.
He extended his hand and took the book.
Transitive verb often used for extending something in a linear fashion, like a road or a railway line. Can also be used for extending time, but for physical extension, 伸ばす is more common for flexible objects.
Intransitive verb meaning to stretch or become longer. Used when something extends by itself or without specifying an agent.
To prolong a period, deadline, or event.
Suru-verb meaning to extend a time period, such as a deadline, a stay, or a contract. Common in formal and everyday contexts.
To broaden the range, reach, or application of something, such as power, business, or knowledge.
Suru-verb meaning to expand or enlarge. Used for extending business, influence, scale, etc.
To offer something like help, an invitation, or congratulations.
伸ばす is used for stretching or lengthening physical, often flexible objects (hair, rope, body parts). 延ばす is used for extending linear things (roads, railway lines) or time (deadlines). However, in modern usage, 延ばす is often replaced by 伸ばす in many contexts, but for time-related extension, 延ばす is still preferred in formal writing.
Avoid directly translating 'extend' as 伸ばす or 延ばす in all cases. For example, 'extend an invitation' is not 招待を伸ばす but 招待する or 案内を送る. Always consider the collocation.
The road extends to the next town.
鉄道を延ばす計画がある。
There is a plan to extend the railway.
The rubber band has stretched out.
I extended my stay by one week.
Transitive verb used for extending time, similar to 延長する but slightly less formal. Often used with words like 期限 (deadline) or 時間 (time).
Could you extend the submission deadline?
Means to postpone or defer. While not exactly 'extend', it is often used when an event is moved to a later date, effectively extending the time before it occurs.
The meeting was postponed to next week.
The company is extending its business overseas.
Transitive verb meaning to spread or widen. Used for extending one's network, knowledge, or physical area.
I studied abroad to extend my knowledge.
Intransitive verb meaning to reach or extend to. Often used in formal or written contexts to describe the extent of influence or damage.
The damage extended over a wide area.
Literally 'to stretch out and offer'. Used specifically for extending a helping hand, assistance, or support.
He extended a helping hand to those in need.
Means to express or state. Used in formal contexts for extending greetings, condolences, or congratulations.
I extend my heartfelt condolences.
To offer or propose. Can be used when extending an offer or invitation.
He extended an offer of help.
Can I extend my subscription?