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.
地図をテーブルに広げた。
I spread the map out on the table.
彼は毛布を床に広げた。
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.
ピクニックシートを芝生に敷いた。
We spread a picnic blanket on the lawn.
To spread a substance like butter, jam, or paint onto a surface. Focuses on the application.
パンにバターを塗った。
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.
眼下に美しい景色が広がっていた。
A beautiful view spread out below us.
うわさがすぐに広がった。
The rumor spread quickly.
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.
彼はその教えを世界中に広めた。
He spread the teachings throughout the world.
うわさを広めるのはよくない。
It's not good to spread rumors.
Formal, written term for spreading or circulating information, often with a negative connotation.
誤った情報が流布された。
False information was spread.
To describe the expansion of something harmful like an illness or flames.
Intransitive verb used for both disease and fire spreading. Very common.
感染が急速に広がっている。
The infection is spreading rapidly.
火が隣の家に広がった。
The fire spread to the neighboring house.
Formal term for the spread of disease or undesirable things. Often used in news or medical contexts.
伝染病が蔓延している。
The epidemic is spreading.
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.
支払いを数か月に分散させた。
I spread the payments over several months.
To divide into smaller portions and spread them out. Used for tasks or physical items.
仕事を小分けにしてやろう。
Let's spread the work out into smaller chunks.
To extend limbs or appendages outward.
Transitive verb for spreading arms, legs, wings, etc.
鳥が翼を広げて飛び立った。
The bird spread its wings and took off.
To stretch out or extend, often used for arms or legs. Focuses on lengthening rather than widening.
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.
地図を広げる (I spread the map) vs. 景色が広がる (The view spreads out)
Transitive vs. intransitive physical spreading.
うわさを広める (spread a rumor) vs. うわさが広まる (a rumor spreads)
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.
そのニュースは国中に広まった。
The news spread throughout the country.
He spread his arms out and yawned.