Translation guide
The English adverb 'widely' is used to describe something that happens over a large area, among many people, or to a great degree. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the translation depends on the specific meaning. This guide covers the most common ways to express 'widely' in natural Japanese.
Describing something that is spread out, distributed, or occurring across a broad physical space or scope.
The adverbial form of 広い (wide). Used for physical or abstract spread, such as 'widely known' or 'widely distributed'. This is the most direct and common translation.
The news is widely known.
この植物は広く分布している。
This plant is widely distributed.
Literally 'broadly', emphasizing a wide range or variety. Often used when talking about a wide range of topics, opinions, or activities.
幅広い分野で活躍している。
He is active in a wide range of fields.
意見を幅広く集める。
To gather opinions widely.
A pattern meaning 'over a wide area/range/period'. Used with nouns indicating scope. Often implies extensiveness.
全国にわたって調査が行われた。
A survey was conducted widely across the country.
多岐にわたる分野
Fields that range widely
Describing something that is done, accepted, or used by a large number of people or in many locations.
Again, 広く is the most natural choice for 'widely' in the sense of 'by many'. It pairs with verbs like 使われる (used), 認められる (recognized), 読まれる (read).
この方法は広く使われている。
This method is widely used.
彼の作品は広く読まれている。
His works are widely read.
Means 'generally' or 'commonly'. Used when 'widely' implies 'by the general public' or 'in general'. Often interchangeable with 広く but emphasizes commonality.
Literally 'in society' or 'among people'. Used for things widely talked about or believed in society. Slightly more colloquial and limited to social contexts.
世間で広く信じられている。
It is widely believed among people.
Describing a significant difference, variation, or extent, such as 'widely different' or 'vary widely'.
The adverbial form of 大きい (big). Used with verbs like 異なる (differ) or 変わる (change) to mean 'greatly' or 'widely'.
意見が大きく異なる。
Opinions differ widely.
価格は大きく変動する。
Prices vary widely.
Means 'considerably' or 'quite'. Used when 'widely' implies a notable degree. Less formal than 大きく.
Means 'remarkably' or 'significantly'. Used in formal or written contexts to emphasize a wide difference. Often found in academic or technical writing.
両者の性能は著しく異なる。
The performance of the two differs widely.
Describing a physical state of being fully open, as in 'eyes wide open' or 'grin widely'.
Used for opening eyes or mouth wide. The most natural choice for physical wideness.
彼女は目を大きく開けた。
She opened her eyes widely.
口を大きく開けて笑った。
He laughed with his mouth wide open.
An onomatopoeic adverb meaning 'wide open', often used for mouths or holes. Casual and vivid.
English 'widely' is often used in phrases like 'widely available' or 'widely regarded'. In Japanese, these are usually expressed with 広く (hiroku) + verb, but the verb choice matters. For example, 'widely available' is 広く入手可能 (hiroku nyūshu kanō) or 広く出回っている (hiroku demawatte iru). Do not try to translate 'widely' as a standalone word in every context.
広く (hiroku) is the general adverb for 'widely' in most senses. 幅広く (habahiroku) emphasizes a broad range or variety, often used with nouns like 分野 (fields) or 意見 (opinions). Use 幅広く when you want to stress diversity or inclusiveness.
広く知られている
widely known
幅広く支持されている
widely supported (by a diverse range of people)
その事実は一般に知られていない。
That fact is not widely known.
The results varied widely.
口をぱっくり開ける。
To open one's mouth widely.