Translation guide
The English verb 'extend' covers several distinct meanings: making something longer in space or time, stretching out a body part, offering something, and reaching a certain scope. Japanese uses different verbs for each of these meanings.
To increase the length of a physical object, such as a table, a road, or a cable.
General verb for lengthening something flexible or linear, like a rope, hair, or a line.
テーブルを伸ばして、8人座れるようにした。
I extended the table so that eight people could sit.
Formal verb for extending something like a road, railway, or deadline. Often used in official contexts.
地下鉄の路線を郊外まで延長する計画がある。
There is a plan to extend the subway line to the suburbs.
Simple phrase meaning 'to make longer'. Casual and easy to use.
このコードを長くしたいんだけど。
I want to extend this cord.
To increase the length of time for something, like a deadline, a stay, or a subscription.
Standard verb for extending a time period. Used for deadlines, visas, contracts, etc.
ビザの滞在期間を延長したいのですが。
I would like to extend my visa stay.
Casual alternative to 延長する. Often used in daily conversation.
締め切りを一週間延ばしてもらえますか？
Could you extend the deadline by a week?
To prolong something, often with a negative nuance (e.g., a meeting, a war).
彼は議論を不必要に長引かせた。
He unnecessarily extended the argument.
To stretch out a limb or part of the body.
Used for stretching out arms, legs, back, etc.
彼は手を伸ばして、棚の上の本を取った。
He extended his hand and took the book from the shelf.
To spread out, like extending your arms wide or opening your legs.
To offer or give something such as help, an invitation, or a welcome.
Literally 'to extend one's hand', used for offering help, support, or a hand.
困っている人に援助の手を差し伸べた。
I extended a helping hand to those in need.
Formal verb for offering services, information, etc.
当社はお客様に最高のサービスを提供します。
We extend the best service to our customers.
To offer or propose something, often used in formal situations.
To reach or cover a certain area, scope, or range.
To reach, extend to, or cover a certain area or scope. Often used in formal or written contexts.
彼の影響力は全国に及んでいる。
His influence extends nationwide.
Intransitive verb meaning to spread or extend over an area.
To extend over a period or range, often used with time or scope.
伸ばす (のばす) is for physical lengthening of flexible things or body parts, while 延長する (えんちょうする) is for extending time or linear infrastructure like roads. Using the wrong one can sound odd.
髪を伸ばす (○) / 髪を延長する (✕)
to grow one's hair long
Avoid directly translating 'extend' as エクステンドする. It is not natural Japanese. Use the appropriate verb based on the meaning.
両腕を広げて、深呼吸した。
I extended both arms and took a deep breath.
彼は自ら援助を申し出た。
He extended an offer of help himself.
砂漠が地平線まで広がっている。
The desert extends to the horizon.
This festival extends over several days.