Translation guide
The English word 'scattering' can refer to the act of dispersing things, the state of being spread out, or a small, dispersed amount. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for these meanings.
scattering seeds
scattered toys
a scattering of stars
To describe the action of scattering objects, seeds, ashes, etc., by throwing, sprinkling, or spreading them.
General verb for scattering or sprinkling seeds, water, etc. Transitive.
I scattered seeds in the garden.
To scatter things carelessly or widely, often with a nuance of disorder. Transitive.
To scatter or disperse things, often implying they were gathered before. Transitive.
Formal/technical term for scattering or distributing, e.g., pesticides, flyers. Transitive.
To scatter/spray agricultural chemicals.
To describe things that are scattered around, not gathered together.
Describes a state where things are scattered around. Intransitive.
Toys are scattered all over the room.
To be scattered here and there, often used for objects or locations. Intransitive.
To be dotted or scattered, often for small things like houses or trees. Intransitive.
Houses are scattered at the foot of the mountain.
To refer to a small number or amount of things spread out, like a scattering of stars or people.
Adjective meaning sparse, thin, or scattered. Used before a noun.
A scattering of applause was heard.
Pattern to say something exists sparsely or scattered.
A sky with a scattering of stars.
Adverb describing something appearing here and there in small numbers, often used for people or flowers.
まく is used for intentional scattering like sowing seeds or sprinkling water. 散らす implies making a mess or dispersing things that were together, often with a negative or disorderly nuance.
To water the flowers (sprinkle water).
The child scattered toys (made a mess).
散乱する (sanran suru) is a technical term for physical scattering of light or particles, and sounds unnatural for everyday scattering of objects.
Light scatters.
彼は書類を床にばらまいた。
He scattered the papers on the floor.
風が落ち葉を散らした。
The wind scattered the fallen leaves.
Small lakes are scattered throughout this region.
会場にはちらほらと人がいた。
There was a scattering of people at the venue.