広げる

• Reading: ひろげる
• Romaji: hirogeru
• Kanji breakdown: 広 (kou/hiro) — wide, broad, spacious
• Pronunciation: /hi.ɾo.ɡe.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To spread; to expand; to extend. The act of making something wider, larger, or more extensive.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb. The intransitive pair is 広がる (to spread by itself). Used for physically opening or unfolding things (maps, arms, wings), expanding operations or businesses, and broadening perspectives. Common expressions: 視野を広げる (broaden one's horizons), 手を広げる (spread one's hands or expand operations).

Examples

1. 地図を広げて旅行の計画を立てた。 I spread out a map and planned the trip.
2. 留学して視野を広げたいと思っている。 I want to broaden my horizons by studying abroad.
3. 彼は両手を広げて友達を迎えた。 He spread his arms wide to welcome his friend.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, personal growth, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Derived from the adjective 広い (hiroi, wide). The げる suffix creates a transitive verb meaning to cause something to become wider — an active spreading or opening.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal