Translation guide
The English word 'wide' describes something that extends far from side to side. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 広い (hiroi), but the best choice depends on what is being described—physical space, range, variety, or figurative breadth.
Describing a physical space, object, or area that has a large extent from side to side.
The standard adjective for 'wide' or 'spacious'. Used for rooms, roads, spaces, and objects.
この部屋はとても広いです。
This room is very wide/spacious.
広い道路
a wide road
Literally 'wide-width'. Often used for objects that are notably broad, like a wide belt or a wide brim. Can also be used figuratively for 'wide-ranging'.
幅広いベルト
a wide belt
Expressing that something covers a broad scope, many types, or a large selection.
Used for a wide range of things, such as interests, knowledge, or products.
彼は幅広い知識を持っている。
He has a wide range of knowledge.
幅広い品揃え
a wide selection of goods
Formal term for 'wide-ranging' or 'extensive', often used in written or academic contexts.
A formal phrase meaning 'covering many fields' or 'diverse'. Used in reports or speeches.
彼の研究は多岐にわたる。
His research is wide-ranging.
Describing something fully opened, like eyes or a gap.
Often used for 'wide' when referring to eyes or mouth being open. More natural than 広い in these contexts.
彼女は目を大きく開けた。
She opened her eyes wide.
Common phrase for 'open one's mouth wide'.
歯医者で口を大きく開けてください。
Please open your mouth wide at the dentist.
Expressing a large difference or disparity between things.
Used for a 'wide' difference or gap. 広い is not used for abstract gaps.
両者の間には大きな隔たりがある。
There is a wide gap between the two.
Common phrase for 'wide difference'.
収入に大きな差がある。
There is a wide difference in income.
Referring to something that extends over a large geographical area.
Means 'wide area' or 'extensive coverage'. Used for weather, search areas, etc.
台風の影響は広範囲に及んだ。
The typhoon affected a wide area.
Often used in compounds like 広域捜査 (wide-area search) or 広域ネットワーク (wide area network).
English 'wide' is often used figuratively (wide variety, wide gap). In Japanese, 広い is mainly for physical space. For abstract breadth, use 幅広い, 大きい, or other expressions as shown above.
広い is the general adjective for 'wide/spacious'. 幅広い emphasizes the width dimension and is often used for objects or figurative range. For a wide road, 広い道路 is natural; 幅広い道路 is less common but emphasizes the road's width specifically.
広範な調査
a wide-ranging survey
広域捜査
wide-area investigation