Translation guide
The English word 'worldwide' is an adjective or adverb meaning 'extending or reaching throughout the world'. In Japanese, it is most naturally expressed with the adjective 世界的 (せかいてき) or the adverb 世界的に (せかいてきに). Other expressions like 全世界 (ぜんせかい) or ワールドワイド are used in specific contexts.
Use when describing something as global in scope, such as a phenomenon, reputation, or network.
The most common and natural way to say 'worldwide' as an adjective. It directly modifies nouns.
He is a world-famous singer.
Discuss worldwide issues.
Literally 'the whole world'. Used as a noun modifier, often in news or formal contexts.
Loanword from English, used in brand names, marketing, or technical contexts. Not common in everyday speech.
Use when describing an action or state that occurs globally.
The adverbial form of 世界的. The most natural way to say 'worldwide' as an adverb.
The movie was a worldwide hit.
It's a rare phenomenon even from a worldwide perspective.
Literally 'in/throughout the world'. Emphasizes the geographical spread of an action or state.
This game is enjoyed worldwide.
Similar to 世界中で but slightly more formal, often used in statistics or reports.
Sold one million copies worldwide.
Use when referring to the entire world as a noun, often in subject or object position.
English often uses 'worldwide' as an adverb directly (e.g., 'sold worldwide'). In Japanese, you must use an adverbial phrase like 世界的に or 世界中で. Simply saying ワールドワイド is unnatural in most contexts.
Both mean 'the whole world', but 世界中 (せかいじゅう) is more common in casual speech, while 全世界 (ぜんせかい) is slightly more formal and often used in news or written language.
The company has offices worldwide.
Worldwide sales increased by 10%.
全世界の国々が参加した。
Countries from all over the world participated.
Aim for worldwide expansion.
The whole world was surprised by the news.