Translation guide
The English word "dispersed" describes things that are spread out or scattered, often after being together. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what is dispersing and how. This guide covers common ways to express dispersion for people, objects, light, and abstract things.
To say that a group of people breaks up and goes in different directions.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to scatter' or 'to disperse', used for people, leaves, petals, etc. Often used for crowds or groups naturally breaking up.
観客が一斉に散った。
The audience dispersed all at once.
Transitive/intransitive verb meaning 'to break up' or 'to disperse' (a meeting, group, etc.). More formal and often implies an organized disbanding.
集会は午後5時に解散した。
The assembly dispersed at 5 p.m.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be scattered about' or 'to spread out'. Emphasizes the resulting state of being dispersed in various places.
子供たちは公園中に散らばった。
The children dispersed throughout the park.
To say that things like particles, seeds, or items are spread over an area.
Intransitive verb for things being scattered around. Focuses on the state of being dispersed.
書類が机の上に散らばっている。
Papers are dispersed on the desk.
Transitive verb meaning 'to scatter' or 'to disperse' something. Used when someone actively spreads things.
Technical term for 'scattering' or 'dispersing' into the air, often used for particles, dust, or pollutants.
花粉が空気中に飛散している。
Pollen is dispersed in the air.
To describe how waves or rays spread out from a source.
Technical/scientific term for 'diffusion' or 'dispersion'. Used for light, heat, gases, etc.
光が霧の中で拡散した。
The light dispersed in the fog.
Physics term for 'scattering', e.g., light scattering. More specific than 拡散.
光が粒子によって散乱する。
Light is dispersed by particles.
To express that something non-physical is distributed or scattered.
Means 'to disperse', 'to scatter', or 'to decentralize'. Used for attention, population, risk, etc.
注意力が分散して集中できない。
My attention is dispersed and I can't concentrate.
Describes a state of being scattered or unfocused, often used for thoughts or attention.
考えが散漫になってまとまらない。
My thoughts are dispersed and I can't organize them.
散る (chiru) is often for natural scattering like petals or crowds breaking up. 散らばる (chirabaru) emphasizes the resulting scattered state. 分散する (bunsan suru) is more formal and used for abstract or systematic dispersion.
While 分散する can be used for dispersing people (e.g., evacuating), it sounds technical. For everyday situations, 散る or 解散する is more natural.
The wind dispersed the fallen leaves.