Translation guide
The English adverb 'broadly' can express a general or wide-ranging manner, a physical width, or a figurative sense of openness. This guide helps learners choose natural Japanese expressions depending on the intended meaning.
Expressing that something is true or applies in a general sense, without focusing on details.
The adverbial form of 広い (wide). Used to mean 'widely' or 'broadly' in the sense of covering a large scope or many areas.
This issue is broadly discussed.
彼の作品は広く知られている。
His works are broadly known.
Means 'roughly' or 'broadly' when giving a general outline or summary. Often used when you want to describe something without going into detail.
大まかに言うと、計画は順調です。
Broadly speaking, the plan is going well.
A slightly formal adverb meaning 'generally' or 'on the whole'. Used to make broad statements.
概して、今年の夏は涼しかった。
Broadly, this summer was cool.
Means 'overall' or 'broadly' in the sense of covering all aspects. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
全般的に見て、結果は良好だ。
Broadly viewed, the results are good.
Describing something that is physically broad or wide in shape or extent.
Literally 'widely' in terms of width. Used for physical breadth or a wide range of things.
その川は幅広く流れている。
The river flows broadly.
Describes a spacious, open, broad area. Often used for landscapes or rooms.
公園が広々と広がっている。
The park spreads out broadly.
Expressing that an action is done in an open, unrestrained, or obvious manner.
Means 'openly' or 'blatantly', often with a negative connotation. Used when someone does something without hiding it.
彼はあからさまに嘘をついた。
He broadly lied.
Means 'openly' or 'undisguisedly', often implying something is done in a crude or tactless way.
彼女は露骨に不満を表した。
She broadly expressed her dissatisfaction.
Describing a wide, cheerful smile.
An onomatopoeic adverb for a broad, pleasant smile. Very common.
彼はにっこりと笑った。
He smiled broadly.
Literally 'with a full-face smile'. A more descriptive phrase for a broad smile.
彼女は満面の笑みで迎えてくれた。
She greeted me with a broad smile.
広く (hiroku) emphasizes wide coverage or prevalence, while 大まかに (ōmaka ni) emphasizes a rough, non-detailed approach. Use 広く for 'widely known' and 大まかに for 'broadly speaking'.
この本は広く読まれている。
This book is broadly read.
大まかに説明してください。
Please explain broadly.