広い

• Reading: ひろい
• Romaji: hiroi
• Kanji breakdown: 広 (hiro/kou) — wide, broad, spacious
• Pronunciation: /çi.ɾo.i/

Meaning

Spacious; vast; wide. Describes a large area or open space.

An i-adjective used for spaces, rooms, parks, roads, and any area that feels open or expansive. The antonym is 狭い (narrow, cramped). Conjugates regularly: 広くない, 広かった, 広くなかった. Also used figuratively for broad knowledge or a wide range of interests.

Examples

1. この公園はとても広いです。 This park is really spacious.
2. 祖父の家は広くて静かです。 My grandfather's house is spacious and quiet.
3. 広い道を歩きました。 I walked down a wide road.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, real estate, descriptions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 広 originally depicted a large covered space, combining 广 (roof/cliff) with 黄 in its ancient form, suggesting a broad open area under a roof.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal