Translation guide
This English phrase describes something that extends or is distributed across an entire area, group, or period. Japanese expresses this with verbs, adverbs, and set phrases depending on what is spreading and the nuance.
To say that something (a substance, smell, light, etc.) spreads or is found all over a place.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to spread, extend, be prevalent'. Used for things like fire, rumors, smells, or landscapes.
The fire spread throughout the town.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to spread throughout, permeate'. Often used for things like light, warmth, or information reaching every corner.
Sunlight spreads throughout the room.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to spread, be rampant'. Used for negative things like disease, weeds, or bad influences.
The epidemic spread throughout the country.
To say that something (a practice, belief, technology) is common or present in many parts of an organization, society, or network.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to spread, become widespread'. Used for technology, ideas, or customs.
Smartphones have spread throughout the world.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to permeate, spread through'. Emphasizes gradual penetration into a group or system.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to spread, become popular'. Often used for rumors, news, or trends.
To say that a theme, word, or idea appears repeatedly across a book, article, or conversation.
Pattern meaning 'are scattered throughout'. Used for elements like quotes, references, or motifs.
Humor is spread throughout his novel.
Phrase meaning 'can be seen everywhere (in the text)'. Formal/written.
To say that something happens or exists over the whole duration of a period.
Both mean 'to spread', but 広がる is for physical or spatial expansion (fire, view), while 広まる is for abstract things becoming widely known or popular (rumors, ideas).
fire spreads
rumor spreads
English 'spread throughout' often becomes unnatural if directly translated word-for-word. Use the appropriate Japanese verb or pattern based on what is spreading and the context.
The new way of thinking spread throughout society.
その噂は学校中に広まった。
The rumor spread throughout the school.
Errors are spread throughout this paper.