Translation guide
The English word 'worldwide' is an adjective or adverb meaning 'extending or reaching throughout the world'. In Japanese, it is most naturally expressed with the adjective 世界的 (せかいてき) or the adverb 世界的に (せかいてきに). Other expressions like 全世界 (ぜんせかい) or ワールドワイド are used in specific contexts.
Use when describing something as global in scope, such as a phenomenon, reputation, or network.
The most common and natural way to say 'worldwide' as an adjective. It directly modifies nouns.
彼は世界的に有名な歌手です。
He is a world-famous singer.
世界的な問題について話し合う。
Discuss worldwide issues.
Literally 'the whole world'. Used as a noun modifier, often in news or formal contexts.
全世界の国々が参加した。
Countries from all over the world participated.
Loanword from English, used in brand names, marketing, or technical contexts. Not common in everyday speech.
ワールドワイドな展開を目指す。
Aim for worldwide expansion.
Use when describing an action or state that occurs globally.
The adverbial form of 世界的. The most natural way to say 'worldwide' as an adverb.
その映画は世界的にヒットした。
The movie was a worldwide hit.
世界的に見ても珍しい現象だ。
It's a rare phenomenon even from a worldwide perspective.
Literally 'in/throughout the world'. Emphasizes the geographical spread of an action or state.
このゲームは世界中で楽しまれている。
This game is enjoyed worldwide.
Similar to 世界中で but slightly more formal, often used in statistics or reports.
全世界で100万部売れた。
Sold one million copies worldwide.
Use when referring to the entire world as a noun, often in subject or object position.
The standard term for 'the whole world' as a noun.
全世界が注目している。
The whole world is watching.
More colloquial than 全世界, often used in everyday speech.
English often uses 'worldwide' as an adverb directly (e.g., 'sold worldwide'). In Japanese, you must use an adverbial phrase like 世界的に or 世界中で. Simply saying ワールドワイド is unnatural in most contexts.
Both mean 'the whole world', but 世界中 (せかいじゅう) is more common in casual speech, while 全世界 (ぜんせかい) is slightly more formal and often used in news or written language.
その会社は世界中にオフィスがあります。
The company has offices worldwide.
全世界の売上高が10％増加した。
Worldwide sales increased by 10%.
世界中がそのニュースに驚いた。
The whole world was surprised by the news.