拡充

• Reading: かくじゅう
• Romaji: kakujuu
• Kanji breakdown: 拡 (kaku) — expand, broaden; 充 (juu/a) — fill, enrich
• Pronunciation: /ka.kɯ.dʑɯː/

Meaning

Expansion; enhancement; augmentation. The act of broadening and strengthening something that already exists.

A noun (also used as a する verb: 拡充する) common in institutional and policy language. Unlike 拡大 which emphasises scale, 拡充 implies both growth and qualitative improvement. Frequently used for facilities, services, and systems.

Examples

1. 医療施設の拡充が急務となっている。 The expansion of medical facilities has become an urgent priority.
2. 教育支援体制を拡充するための予算が承認された。 A budget for expanding the educational support system has been approved.
3. 社会インフラの拡充なしに地方の発展はありえない。 Regional development is impossible without expanding social infrastructure.

Usage Guide

Context: policy, institutional planning, government

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 拡 (expand, broaden) + 充 (fill up, enrich). Together they convey expanding while also filling out or strengthening.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional