Translation guide
The English word 'spread' covers many actions: extending something over an area, applying a soft substance, distributing widely, and more. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being spread and how. This guide breaks down the main meanings and their natural Japanese equivalents.
To lay something flat over a surface, like a blanket, sheet, or map.
Used for spreading flat things like sheets, blankets, mats, or newspapers on a surface. Focuses on laying something down to cover an area.
Please spread out the futon.
I spread a newspaper on the table.
Means to spread or open something out, like a map, wings, or arms. Emphasizes unfolding or extending.
To apply a soft substance evenly over a surface, like butter on bread.
General verb for applying something spreadable: butter, paint, ointment, etc. Focuses on coating a surface.
To cause information to become known by many people.
To extend over an area, often in an uncontrolled way.
Intransitive verb for something spreading out or extending, like fire, disease, or a view. Focuses on the state of becoming widespread.
To extend limbs or wings outward.
Used for spreading body parts like arms, legs, or wings. Emphasizes opening them wide.
To distribute something over a period or across a group.
Means to distribute or spread out, often used for workload, risk, or payments over time.
To arrange food or items on a table for a meal.
Literally 'to prepare the dining table,' used for setting a table with dishes and food.
These four verbs share the root 広 (wide) but differ in transitivity and nuance. 広げる (transitive) means to spread something out physically (map, wings). 広がる (intransitive) means something spreads by itself (fire, view). 広める (transitive) is for spreading information or culture. 広まる (intransitive) is for information or trends becoming widespread. Choose based on what is spreading and who is causing it.
He spread his arms.
地図を広げて見よう。
Let's spread out the map and look.
パンにバターを塗った。
I spread butter on the bread.
Spread paint on the wall.
Transitive verb meaning to spread or disseminate information, ideas, or culture. Someone actively spreads it.
He spread the rumor.
Intransitive verb meaning to spread or become widespread. The rumor or news spreads by itself.
The rumor spread quickly.
Formal term for dissemination or circulation of information, often used in news or academic contexts.
False information was spread.
The fire is spreading.
The infectious disease spread worldwide.
Means to expand or enlarge; used for the spread of something in scale or scope, like a conflict or influence.
The conflict spread.
The bird spread its wings and took off.
He spread his arms wide in welcome.
Spread the payments over several months.
Intransitive verb meaning to spread throughout or permeate, often used for ideas, feelings, or supplies.
Educational opportunities should spread throughout the country.
She spread a luxurious meal on the table.
Means to lay out a feast or spread many dishes. Casual and vivid.
We spread a feast on the table.
噂が広まった。
The rumor spread.
While 広げる means to spread out flat objects, it is not used for spreading soft substances like butter. Use 塗る (ぬる) instead. Saying バターを広げる sounds unnatural.
Spread butter on bread.