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B1 verb #3,000 le plus courant 8 min de lecture

広げる

hirogeru
At the A1 level, you learn '広げる' (hirogeru) as a simple action verb. It mostly means 'to open' or 'to spread' physical things. Think about opening a book to read or spreading a map on a table. It is a transitive verb, which means you need to use the particle 'を' (o) with the object you are opening. For example, 'Hon o hirogeru' (Open the book). It is an easy verb to conjugate because it follows the Group 2 (Ichidan) pattern: hirogeru -> hirogemasu. You might use it when talking about your hobbies or school life.
At the A2 level, you start using '広げる' for more varied physical actions. You might talk about opening an umbrella ('kasa o hirogeru') when it rains or spreading a picnic blanket ('sheet o hirogeru') in the park. You also begin to see the difference between 'hirogeru' (you do it) and 'hirogaru' (it happens). At this stage, focus on the physical 'widening' of things, like making a hole bigger or spreading out your clothes to dry. It's a very practical verb for describing daily chores and movements.
At the B1 level, '広げる' becomes more abstract. You move beyond physical objects to concepts like 'widening your perspective' (shiya o hirogeru) or 'expanding your social circle' (kouryuu o hirogeru). This is a key level for understanding how Japanese verbs can be used metaphorically. You will also use it in business contexts, such as 'expanding a business' (jigyou o hirogeru). You should be comfortable using it in various forms like the potential (hirogereru) or the causative (hirogesaseru) in more complex sentences.
At the B2 level, you use '広げる' to describe complex social and economic phenomena. For example, 'widening the gap between rich and poor' (kakusa o hirogeru) or 'expanding the scope of an investigation' (sousa-hani o hirogeru). You will encounter it in news articles and formal discussions. You should also be able to distinguish it clearly from more formal synonyms like 'kakudai suru' (to enlarge) or 'hiromeru' (to disseminate). Your usage should reflect a nuanced understanding of transitivity and agency in Japanese.
At the C1 level, '広げる' is used with high precision in literary and professional writing. You might use it to describe the 'unfolding' of a complex narrative or the 'extension' of a philosophical argument. You will understand its use in idiomatic expressions and how it contributes to the 'texture' of a sentence. At this level, you are expected to use it naturally in debates about social issues, such as how technology 'widens' the possibilities of human connection while potentially 'widening' social isolation.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '広げる'. You can use it to express subtle nuances in creative writing or high-level academic discourse. You understand its historical development and its relationship to other 'hiro-' root words. You can use it in sophisticated wordplay or to describe very specific physical movements in technical fields (like surgery or engineering). Your choice of '広げる' over its synonyms is always deliberate, reflecting the exact degree of agency and the specific nature of the expansion you wish to convey.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

広げる en 30 secondes

  • Hirogeru is a transitive verb meaning to spread, open, or widen.
  • It is used for physical objects like maps and umbrellas.
  • It is used metaphorically for perspectives, social circles, and business.
  • The intransitive pair is hirogaru (to spread/widen on its own).

The Japanese verb 広げる (hirogeru) is a fundamental transitive verb (他動詞 - tadoushi) that primarily translates to 'to spread,' 'to widen,' 'to enlarge,' or 'to open out.' At its linguistic core, it involves an agent performing an action on an object to increase its physical or conceptual area. Unlike its intransitive counterpart, 広がる (hirogaru), which describes something spreading on its own, 広げる requires an active subject making a conscious effort to expand something. This distinction is crucial for B1 learners who are moving from simple physical descriptions to more nuanced transitive/intransitive pairs. The kanji 広 (kou / hiro-i) depicts a wide area under a roof, symbolizing space and breadth.

Physical Dimension
Opening a folded object like a map, an umbrella, or a book to reveal its full surface area.
Spatial Dimension
Increasing the distance between two points, such as widening a gap or a hole.
Conceptual Dimension
Expanding one's knowledge, horizons, or business operations into new territories.

「公園で大きなシートを広げる。」 (Spread a large sheet in the park.)

In a literal sense, imagine the act of unfolding a traditional Japanese fan (sensu). Before the action, the fan is a compact stick; after you hirogeru it, it becomes a semi-circle. This transition from 'compact' to 'extended' is the essence of the word. It is also used frequently in social contexts, such as 'spreading a rumor' (though hiromeru is more common for news, hirogeru can imply the physical act of laying out information).

「翼を大きく広げて鳥が飛び立った。」 (The bird spread its wings wide and took flight.)

Furthermore, the verb extends into the realm of business and personal growth. When a company 'expands' its market share or a student 'widens' their perspective through travel, hirogeru is the verb of choice. It implies a deliberate strategy or effort to encompass more than what was previously held. This versatility makes it one of the most productive verbs in the Japanese lexicon for intermediate speakers.

「留学は自分の世界を広げるチャンスだ。」 (Studying abroad is a chance to widen your world.)

Etymological Root
Derived from the adjective 'hiroi' (wide), combined with the causative-adjacent ending '-geru'.

「机の上に資料を広げる。」 (Spread the documents out on the desk.)

「彼は両手を広げて私を歓迎した。」 (He spread his arms wide and welcomed me.)

Using 広げる correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature and its specific collocations. In Japanese, the distinction between doing something (transitive) and something happening (intransitive) is paramount. When you use 広げる, you are the actor. You are the one opening the book, the one expanding the business, or the one widening the gap.

Sentence Structure
[Subject] が [Object] を 広げる。
Conjugation Pattern
This is an Ichidan (Group 2) verb. Drop -ru and add -masu, -te, -nai, etc. (広げます, 広げて, 広げない).

One of the most common uses is with physical objects that are folded or closed. For example, hon o hirogeru (to open a book) is slightly different from hon o akeru. While akeru is a general 'open,' hirogeru emphasizes the spreading of the pages or the act of laying the book flat. Similarly, kasa o hirogeru (to open an umbrella) emphasizes the mechanical expansion of the ribs and fabric.

「雨が降り出したので、傘を広げた。」 (It started raining, so I opened my umbrella.)

In abstract contexts, hirogeru is used to describe the expansion of non-physical boundaries. A very common phrase is shiya o hirogeru (to widen one's perspective/horizons). This is a high-frequency expression in academic and self-improvement settings. Another is kouryuu o hirogeru (to expand one's social circle/exchange), which is essential for networking and social life.

In terms of register, 広げる is neutral and can be used in both casual conversation and formal writing. However, in highly technical or formal business reports, you might see 拡大する (kakudai suru) used as a more 'stiff' synonym for expansion. Despite this, 広げる remains the go-to verb for everyday actions and common metaphorical expressions.

「新しい趣味を始めて、交友関係を広げたい。」 (I want to start a new hobby and expand my circle of friends.)

Common Particles
を: Marks the object being spread.
に: Marks the location where something is spread (e.g., 机の上に).

「地図をテーブルいっぱいに広げる。」 (Spread the map across the whole table.)

You will encounter 広げる in a wide variety of daily life scenarios in Japan. From the classroom to the corporate office, the word is ubiquitous. In a school setting, a teacher might say, 'Kyoukasho o 50-peeji ni hirogete kudasai' (Please open your textbooks to page 50). Here, it specifically refers to the act of spreading the book open.

「先生が『教科書を広げなさい』と言った。」 (The teacher said, 'Open your textbooks.')

In a domestic setting, you might hear it during household chores. For example, sentakumono o hirogeru (to spread out laundry) before hanging it up to dry. In the kitchen, a recipe might instruct you to kiji o hirogeru (spread the dough). These are practical, everyday applications that every learner should recognize.

In news broadcasts and documentaries, the verb is often used to describe the expansion of influence or the widening of a gap between social classes. You might hear 'kakusa o hirogeru' (to widen the inequality gap). This usage is more abstract and carries a more serious tone, often appearing in socio-economic discussions.

「この政策は貧富の格差を広げる可能性がある。」 (This policy might widen the gap between the rich and the poor.)

In Literature
Used to describe landscapes opening up or characters opening their hearts (metaphorically).
In Sports
Widening the lead in a race or a match (tensuu-sa o hirogeru).

Finally, in the world of fashion and design, suso o hirogeru (to widen the hem) or haba o hirogeru (to widen the width) are common technical terms. Whether you are shopping for clothes or discussing architectural plans, the concept of 'widening' or 'spreading' via hirogeru is essential for clear communication.

「後半戦で点差をさらに広げた。」 (They further widened the point gap in the second half of the game.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 広げる is confusing it with its intransitive counterpart, 広がる (hirogaru). This is a classic transitive/intransitive (jidoushi/tadoushi) error. Remember: hirogeru is something YOU do to an object, while hirogaru is something that happens to the object itself.

Incorrect Usage
「噂が広げた。」 (The rumor spread - WRONG).
Since the rumor is spreading on its own, you must use 広がる: 「噂が広がった。」
Correct Usage
「彼が噂を広げた。」 (He spread the rumor - CORRECT).
Here, 'he' is the agent doing the spreading.

Another common error is using hirogeru when akeru (to open) is more appropriate. While you can hirogeru a book or a map, you cannot hirogeru a door or a window. For doors and windows, use akeru. Hirogeru implies a change in the surface area or the 'spread' of the object, not just moving a barrier to create an opening.

「× ドアを広げる」 → 「○ ドアを開ける」

Confusion also arises between hirogeru and 広める (hiromeru). While both mean 'to spread,' hiromeru is specifically used for abstract things like rumors, fame, or knowledge across a wide audience. Hirogeru is more physical or focused on the 'width' of a single entity. For example, you hiromeru Japanese culture to the world, but you hirogeru your own knowledge of Japanese culture.

「× 名前を広げる」 → 「○ 名前を広める」 (To make one's name known.)

Particle Confusion
Using 'ga' instead of 'wo'. Always remember: [Agent] が [Object] を 広げる。

Lastly, learners sometimes forget that hirogeru is an Ichidan verb. Conjugating it like a Godan verb (e.g., saying 'hiroganai' instead of 'hirogenai') is a common morphological error. Always stick to the Ichidan pattern: hiroge-ru, hiroge-masu, hiroge-te.

Understanding 広げる is easier when you compare it to its synonyms and related terms. Each word has a specific nuance that dictates its usage in different contexts. The most direct relative is 拡大する (kakudai suru), which is a Sino-Japanese (Kango) word often used in formal, technical, or digital contexts (like 'magnifying' a photo or 'expanding' a budget).

拡大する (Kakudai suru)
Formal expansion. Used for photos, business scale, or magnifying glasses.
広める (Hiromeru)
To popularize or disseminate. Used for rumors, news, and culture.
展開する (Tenkai suru)
To develop or unfold. Used for stories, military maneuvers, or business strategies.

「画像を拡大する。」 (Enlarge the image.)

Another similar word is 普及させる (fukyuu saseru), which means 'to spread' in the sense of making something common or widespread, like a new technology or a lifestyle habit. While hirogeru could be used for a business expanding its shops, 普及させる would be used for the product itself becoming common among the people.

In the context of 'opening,' 開く (hiraku) is a strong synonym. You can hon o hirogeru or hon o hiraku. However, hiraku is more general and can also mean 'to hold an event' or 'to open a bank account.' Hirogeru specifically emphasizes the physical expansion or the 'laying out' of the book's contents.

「世界中に日本文化を広める。」 (Spread Japanese culture throughout the world.)

伸張する (Shinchou suru)
A very formal word for expansion or stretching, often used in economic reports.
増やす (Fuyasu)
To increase. Sometimes used interchangeably when 'expanding' means 'increasing the number of something'.

By mastering these distinctions, you can choose the most natural word for your intended meaning. Hirogeru remains the most versatile and 'human-centric' verb for the act of expansion in daily Japanese life.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

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Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

本を広げます。

I open the book.

Direct object 'hon' + particle 'wo'.

2

地図を広げてください。

Please spread out the map.

Te-form + kudasai for a polite request.

3

ノートを広げる。

Open the notebook.

Dictionary form used in casual speech.

4

手を広げて。

Spread your hands.

Te-form used as a soft command.

5

新聞を広げました。

I spread out the newspaper.

Past tense polite form.

6

ここにシートを広げましょう。

Let's spread the mat here.

Mashou form for an invitation.

7

カバンを広げる。

Open the bag wide.

Focus on opening the bag to see inside.

8

お弁当を広げる。

Spread out the lunch boxes.

Implies laying out the food to eat.

1

傘を広げると、雨が止んだ。

When I opened the umbrella, the rain stopped.

To-particle used for natural consequence.

2

鳥が羽を広げている。

The bird is spreading its wings.

Te-iru form for ongoing action.

3

洗濯物を広げて干す。

Spread out the laundry and hang it to dry.

Te-form connecting two actions.

4

もっと間隔を広げてください。

Please widen the interval more.

Kankaku (interval) is the object.

5

彼は大きな地図を机に広げた。

He spread a large map on the desk.

Location marked with 'ni'.

6

穴を少し広げましょう。

Let's widen the hole a little.

Physical widening of a space.

7

店を広げるために、隣の部屋も借りた。

To expand the shop, I rented the room next door.

Tame ni indicates purpose.

8

風呂敷を広げて荷物を包む。

Spread the wrapping cloth and wrap the luggage.

Furoshiki is a classic object for hirogeru.

1

読書は視野を広げてくれる。

Reading widens my perspective.

Shiya (perspective) is a common abstract object.

2

新しい趣味で交友関係を広げたい。

I want to expand my social circle with a new hobby.

Kouyuu kankei (social relations) is the object.

3

彼は事業を海外にまで広げた。

He expanded his business even to overseas.

Jigyou (business) + made (even to).

4

この活動を全国に広げよう。

Let's spread this activity nationwide.

Volitional form 'hirogeryou'.

5

自分の可能性を広げるために勉強する。

I study to expand my possibilities.

Kanousei (possibility) as an abstract object.

6

二人の点差をさらに広げた。

The point gap between the two was widened further.

Tensuusa (point gap) in sports context.

7

話を広げすぎて、まとまらなくなった。

I expanded the story too much and it became disorganized.

Sugiru (too much) attached to the stem.

8

窓を広げて、もっと光を入れよう。

Let's widen the window to let in more light.

Refers to physical renovation of the window size.

1

不況が貧富の格差を広げている。

The recession is widening the gap between the rich and the poor.

Social issue context; kakusa (gap/inequality).

2

捜査の範囲をさらに広げる必要がある。

It is necessary to further expand the scope of the investigation.

Sousa hani (investigation scope) is formal.

3

そのニュースは一気に不安を広げた。

That news instantly spread anxiety.

Fuan (anxiety) as the object of spreading.

4

彼は自分の影響力を広げようと画策している。

He is plotting to expand his influence.

Eikyouryoku (influence) + kakusaku (plot).

5

この技術は、教育の選択肢を大きく広げるだろう。

This technology will likely greatly expand educational options.

Sentakushi (options/choices) + darou (conjecture).

6

彼は腕を広げて、子供を抱きしめた。

He spread his arms and hugged the child.

Physical action with emotional weight.

7

議論の幅を広げるために、外部の専門家を招いた。

To widen the scope of the discussion, we invited outside experts.

Giron no haba (breadth of discussion).

8

都市開発が自然破壊の範囲を広げている。

Urban development is expanding the range of environmental destruction.

Critical social/environmental context.

1

作者は物語の風呂敷を広げすぎて、収拾がつかなくなった。

The author opened too many plot lines and couldn't wrap them up.

Idiom: 'furoshiki o hirogeru' (to start something big/overreach).

2

知見を広げることは、偏見をなくす第一歩だ。

Expanding one's knowledge is the first step toward eliminating prejudice.

Chiken (knowledge/insight) is a C1-level noun.

3

グローバル化は、市場を広げる一方で、競争を激化させる。

While globalization expands markets, it also intensifies competition.

Ippou de (on the other hand) structure.

4

彼は沈黙を破り、ゆっくりと本を広げた。

Breaking the silence, he slowly opened the book.

Literary style and pacing.

5

この研究は、宇宙の謎を解明する可能性を広げた。

This research expanded the possibility of unraveling the mysteries of the universe.

Academic context; kaimei (unravel/elucidate).

6

制度の網を広げて、救済漏れを防ぐ。

Expand the safety net of the system to prevent people from falling through.

Metaphorical use of 'ami' (net).

7

彼はその一言で、周囲の反感を広げてしまった。

With that one word, he ended up spreading resentment among those around him.

Hankan (resentment/antipathy).

8

伝統を守りつつ、新たな表現の場を広げる。

While protecting tradition, we will expand the field of new expression.

Tsutsu (while) expressing simultaneous actions.

1

言説の地平を広げる試みが、現代思想において重要視されている。

Attempts to broaden the horizons of discourse are highly valued in contemporary thought.

Gensetsu no chihei (horizons of discourse) is academic.

2

彼は自らの権勢を広げるべく、冷酷な手段を厭わなかった。

In order to expand his power and influence, he did not shy away from ruthless means.

Beku (in order to) + itowanai (not hesitate).

3

宇宙膨張の理論は、我々の時空概念を根底から広げた。

The theory of cosmic expansion fundamentally expanded our concept of space-time.

Scientific/Philosophical context.

4

言葉を広げることは、思考そのものを広げることに他ならない。

Expanding one's vocabulary is nothing other than expanding thought itself.

Ni hoka naranai (nothing other than).

5

その政治家は、大風呂敷を広げて国民を欺いた。

The politician made grand, empty promises and deceived the citizens.

Ooburoshiki o hirogeru (to talk big/make empty promises).

6

技術革新は、人間の身体能力の限界をさらに広げていく。

Technological innovation continues to further expand the limits of human physical capabilities.

Te-iku (continuing into the future).

7

彼はキャンバスに大胆な色彩を広げ、情熱を表現した。

He spread bold colors across the canvas, expressing his passion.

Artistic context; shikisai (colors).

8

文化の裾野を広げる活動が、地方自治体によって推進されている。

Activities to broaden the base of culture are being promoted by local governments.

Susono o hirogeru (broaden the base/foundation).

Collocations courantes

地図を広げる (Spread a map)
本を広げる (Open a book)
視野を広げる (Widen perspective)
事業を広げる (Expand business)
傘を広げる (Open an umbrella)
翼を広げる (Spread wings)
交友関係を広げる (Expand social circle)
格差を広げる (Widen the gap)
風呂敷を広げる (Spread a wrapping cloth)
範囲を広げる (Expand the scope)

Phrases Courantes

手を広げる (To spread one's hands / To overextend oneself)

世界を広げる (To widen one's world)

可能性を広げる (To expand possibilities)

知識を広げる (To expand knowledge)

間隔を広げる (To widen the interval)

店を広げる (To expand a shop)

活動を広げる (To expand activities)

話題を広げる (To broaden the topic)

人脈を広げる (To expand one's network)

差を広げる (To widen the lead/gap)

Souvent confondu avec

広げる vs 広がる (Hirogaru)

Intransitive (something spreads on its own).

広げる vs 広める (Hiromeru)

To spread news or popularize something.

広げる vs 開ける (Akeru)

To open a door, window, or box.

Expressions idiomatiques

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Facile à confondre

広げる vs

広げる vs

広げる vs

広げる vs

広げる vs

Structures de phrases

[Object] を 広げる

[Place] に [Object] を 広げる

[Object] を 広げて [Action]

[Object] を 広げすぎる

[Object] を 広げたい

[Object] を 広げようとする

[Object] を 広げさせる

[Object] が 広げられる

Comment l'utiliser

hirogeru vs akeru

Hirogeru is for spreading/unfolding; Akeru is for opening a barrier (door).

hirogeru vs hiromeru

Hirogeru is spatial/physical; Hiromeru is for information/fame.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using 'ga' with hirogeru (should be 'wo').
  • Confusing hirogeru with hiromeru (rumors).
  • Using hirogeru for opening a door.
  • Conjugating it as a Godan verb (hiroganai).
  • Confusing it with the intransitive hirogaru.

Astuces

Particle Choice

Always use 'wo' for the thing you are spreading. If you use 'ga', you likely need 'hirogaru'.

Abstract Use

Use 'shiya o hirogeru' in interviews to sound more professional about your growth.

Furoshiki

Learning about furoshiki will help you visualize the 'spreading' action of this verb.

Picnic Context

At a park, say 'Sheet o hirogeyou!' to suggest where to sit.

Business Reports

In formal reports, consider 'kakudai' but use 'hirogeru' for a more active, human feel.

News Keywords

Listen for 'kakusa o hirogeru' when the news discusses the economy.

Hero Gear

A Hero spreads his Gear. Hiro-geru.

Wings

'Tsubasa o hirogeru' is a beautiful way to say someone is starting their own path.

Not for Doors

Remember: Akeru = Door. Hirogeru = Map.

Wide Roof

The kanji 広 has a roof (广), suggesting a wide space inside.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

From the Old Japanese root 'piro-', meaning broad or spacious.

Contexte culturel

When spreading a map or documents in a public space like a train, Japanese etiquette suggests being mindful of others' space.

Spreading wings (tsubasa o hirogeru) is a common symbol for graduation and new beginnings in Japan.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"視野を広げるために、どんな本を読みますか？"

"最近、新しく事業を広げた会社を知っていますか？"

"ピクニックでシートを広げるのにいい場所はどこですか？"

"どうやって交友関係を広げていますか？"

"傘を広げるタイミング、難しくないですか？"

Sujets d'écriture

今年、自分が視野を広げた経験について書いてください。

もし新しい店を広げるとしたら、どこに出したいですか？

「大風呂敷を広げる」人についてどう思いますか？

留学はどのように世界を広げてくれると思いますか？

最近、本を広げてじっくり読んだのはいつですか？

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, use 'akeru' for doors. 'Hirogeru' implies widening the physical frame of the door.

'Hirogeru' is for physical area or personal scope. 'Hiromeru' is for spreading things like rumors or culture to many people.

It is a Group 2 (Ichidan) verb.

You can say 'jigyou o hirogeru'.

Yes, 'hon o hirogeru' is very common and emphasizes spreading the pages.

It means to talk big or make unrealistic promises.

Yes, it is a transitive verb (tadoushi).

Common antonyms are 'tatamu' (fold) or 'sebameru' (narrow).

Yes, like 'tensuusa o hirogeru' (to widen the point gap).

The potential form is 'hirogerareru'.

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