Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of 'spreading out' in Japanese, including physical expansion, dispersal, and metaphorical extension.
To spread out over an area, to extend, to stretch out (e.g., a map, a cloth, wings)
Transitive verb meaning to spread something out, to open up, to unfold. Used for maps, cloth, arms, etc.
To spread out in the sense of dispersing, scattering, or distributing over an area
To spread out in terms of influence, information, or abstract concepts
地図を広げてください。
Please spread out the map.
彼は腕を広げた。
He spread out his arms.
Intransitive verb meaning to spread out, to extend, to stretch. Used for things that spread on their own, like a view, a stain, or a rumor.
目の前に美しい景色が広がっていた。
A beautiful view spread out before my eyes.
インクが紙に広がった。
The ink spread out on the paper.
Transitive verb meaning to stretch out, to extend. Often used for limbs, or for making something longer/wider.
足を伸ばしてください。
Please stretch out your legs.
Transitive verb meaning to spread out, to lay (a mat, sheet, etc.). Used for bedding, carpets, etc.
布団を敷いてください。
Please spread out the futon.
Intransitive verb meaning to be scattered, to spread out (of people or things).
子供たちが公園に散らばって遊んでいる。
The children are spread out playing in the park.
Transitive verb meaning to scatter, to spread out (something).
彼は書類を机の上に散らした。
He spread out the papers on the desk.
To scatter, to spread around (often money, seeds, etc.). Can have a negative nuance of wasteful distribution.
彼はお金をばらまいた。
He spread money around.
Intransitive verb meaning to spread, to become widespread (rumors, ideas, customs).
その噂はすぐに広まった。
The rumor spread quickly.
Transitive verb meaning to spread, to propagate (information, knowledge).
彼は新しい技術を広めた。
He spread the new technology.
To spread, to have repercussions. Often used for effects or influence spreading.
その影響は全国に波及した。
The influence spread throughout the country.