Translation guide
The English word 'spreading' covers a wide range of actions and processes. This guide organizes the most common and useful Japanese expressions by the specific meaning you want to convey, from physical spreading of objects to the spread of information or disease.
To lay something out so that it covers a surface evenly.
Transitive verb meaning to spread something out, open, or unfold. Used for physical objects like blankets, maps, newspapers, etc.
I spread the map out on the table.
He spread a blanket on the floor.
To spread something out flat, especially on the ground or a surface, like a sheet, mat, or cloth. Often implies laying it down neatly.
We spread a picnic blanket on the lawn.
To spread a substance like butter, jam, or paint onto a surface. Focuses on the application.
I spread butter on the bread.
Something becomes spread out or extends over an area by itself.
Intransitive verb meaning to spread out, extend, or stretch. Used for scenery, views, or things naturally expanding.
A beautiful view spread out below us.
Intransitive verb for abstract things spreading, like information, ideas, or customs. Emphasizes becoming widespread.
To disseminate or propagate something to many people.
Transitive verb for spreading abstract things like knowledge, ideas, or rumors. Implies actively making something known.
He spread the teachings throughout the world.
Formal, written term for spreading or circulating information, often with a negative connotation.
False information was spread.
To describe the expansion of something harmful like an illness or flames.
To distribute something over a period or across a group.
To spread out or distribute something like workload, risk, or payments. Common in business contexts.
I spread the payments over several months.
To divide into smaller portions and spread them out. Used for tasks or physical items.
Let's spread the work out into smaller chunks.
To extend limbs or appendages outward.
These four verbs are easily confused. 広げる (transitive) and 広がる (intransitive) are for physical spreading. 広める (transitive) and 広まる (intransitive) are for abstract spreading like information. Remember: -eru is transitive, -aru is intransitive.
Transitive vs. intransitive physical spreading.
Transitive vs. intransitive abstract spreading.
While 広げる can sometimes be used metaphorically (e.g., 視野を広げる 'broaden one's horizons'), for spreading information or rumors, use 広める or 流布する. Using 広げる for rumors sounds unnatural.
The rumor spread quickly.
そのニュースは国中に広まった。
The news spread throughout the country.
It's not good to spread rumors.
The fire spread to the neighboring house.
彼は腕を伸ばしてあくびをした。
He spread his arms out and yawned.