Translation guide
The English word 'spread' covers many actions: extending something over an area, applying a soft substance, distributing widely, and more. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being spread and how. This guide breaks down the main meanings and their natural Japanese equivalents.
To lay something flat over a surface, like a blanket, sheet, or map.
Used for spreading flat things like sheets, blankets, mats, or newspapers on a surface. Focuses on laying something down to cover an area.
布団を敷いてください。
Please spread out the futon.
テーブルに新聞を敷いた。
I spread a newspaper on the table.
Means to spread or open something out, like a map, wings, or arms. Emphasizes unfolding or extending.
To apply a soft substance evenly over a surface, like butter on bread.
General verb for applying something spreadable: butter, paint, ointment, etc. Focuses on coating a surface.
To cause information to become known by many people.
To extend over an area, often in an uncontrolled way.
To extend limbs or wings outward.
To distribute something over a period or across a group.
Means to distribute or spread out, often used for workload, risk, or payments over time.
支払いを数ヶ月に分散させる。
Spread the payments over several months.
To arrange food or items on a table for a meal.
Literally 'to prepare the dining table,' used for setting a table with dishes and food.
彼女は豪華な食事を食卓に整えた。
She spread a luxurious meal on the table.
These four verbs share the root 広 (wide) but differ in transitivity and nuance. 広げる (transitive) means to spread something out physically (map, wings). 広がる (intransitive) means something spreads by itself (fire, view). 広める (transitive) is for spreading information or culture. 広まる (intransitive) is for information or trends becoming widespread. Choose based on what is spreading and who is causing it.
While 広げる means to spread out flat objects, it is not used for spreading soft substances like butter. Use 塗る (ぬる) instead. Saying バターを広げる sounds unnatural.
地図を広げて見よう。
Let's spread out the map and look.
パンにバターを塗った。
I spread butter on the bread.
壁にペンキを塗る。
Spread paint on the wall.
Transitive verb meaning to spread or disseminate information, ideas, or culture. Someone actively spreads it.
彼はその噂を広めた。
He spread the rumor.
Intransitive verb meaning to spread or become widespread. The rumor or news spreads by itself.
噂がすぐに広まった。
The rumor spread quickly.
Formal term for dissemination or circulation of information, often used in news or academic contexts.
誤った情報が流布された。
False information was spread.
Intransitive verb for something spreading out or extending, like fire, disease, or a view. Focuses on the state of becoming widespread.
火事が広がっている。
The fire is spreading.
感染症が世界中に広がった。
The infectious disease spread worldwide.
Means to expand or enlarge; used for the spread of something in scale or scope, like a conflict or influence.
紛争が拡大した。
The conflict spread.
Used for spreading body parts like arms, legs, or wings. Emphasizes opening them wide.
鳥が翼を広げて飛び立った。
The bird spread its wings and took off.
彼は両腕を広げて歓迎した。
He spread his arms wide in welcome.
Intransitive verb meaning to spread throughout or permeate, often used for ideas, feelings, or supplies.
教育の機会が全国に行き渡るべきだ。
Educational opportunities should spread throughout the country.
Means to lay out a feast or spread many dishes. Casual and vivid.
テーブルにごちそうを並べた。
We spread a feast on the table.
Spread butter on bread.
Spread butter on bread.