Translation guide
The English verb "unfold" has two main uses: a physical action of opening something folded, and a metaphorical sense of events or stories developing. Japanese uses different verbs for these meanings, and the physical sense requires careful choice depending on what is being unfolded.
To open or spread out something that has been folded, such as paper, a letter, a map, clothing, or an umbrella.
unfold a map · unfold a letter · unfold a napkin · unfold an umbrella
The most common and versatile verb for spreading or opening out flat objects. It can be used for paper, maps, cloth, wings, etc.
地図を広げてください。
Please unfold the map.
彼は手紙を広げて読み始めた。
He unfolded the letter and began to read.
Often used for opening things that have a hinge or are folded in a specific way, like an umbrella, a folding fan, or a book. Can also mean 'to open' in a general sense.
Literally 'to smooth out the creases'. Used when you want to emphasize removing the fold lines, such as when flattening a crumpled paper.
紙の折り目を伸ばしてからスキャンした。
I unfolded the paper (smoothed out the creases) and then scanned it.
To reveal or become clear gradually; to develop over time. Often used for narratives, situations, or plans.
the story unfolds · events unfolded quickly · the plan unfolded as expected
The standard verb for events, stories, or plots unfolding. It can be used both transitively and intransitively.
物語がどのように展開するか見てみよう。
Let's see how the story unfolds.
会議では驚くべき出来事が展開した。
Surprising events unfolded at the meeting.
Often used for dramatic or large-scale events unfolding before one's eyes. It has a nuance of something being spread out like a scroll.
眼前で壮大なドラマが繰り広げられた。
A magnificent drama unfolded before our eyes.
Means 'to become clear' or 'to be revealed'. Suitable when the unfolding involves a mystery or hidden truth.
真実が徐々に明らかになった。
The truth gradually unfolded.
A phrase meaning 'as the story progresses/unfolds'. Useful for setting the context.
話が進むにつれて、登場人物の秘密が明らかになる。
As the story unfolds, the characters' secrets are revealed.
To straighten or extend limbs that were previously crossed or bent.
Specifically for uncrossing one's arms. ほどく means to undo or untie.
彼は腕をほどいて立ち上がった。
He unfolded his arms and stood up.
Literally 'to stretch out one's legs'. Used when unfolding legs from a crossed or bent position.
彼はソファで足を伸ばした。
He unfolded his legs on the sofa.
広げる (hirogeru) is used for spreading out flat things like paper, cloth, or maps. 開く (hiraku) is used for opening things that have a hinge or a fixed shape when opened, like umbrellas, fans, or books. For folding chairs or tables, 開く is more common. For a letter, 広げる is natural because you are spreading out the paper.
Do not use 広げる or 開く for stories or events. These would sound unnatural. Use 展開する or other context-appropriate verbs instead.
物語が展開する
the story unfolds