How to say "broad" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 幅広いはばひろいi-adjectiveCovers 'broad' in the sense of wide in extent or scope, literal or figurative, such as broad knowledge or a broad selection. It is usually the first word to consider for this meaning.
- 大まかおおまかna-adjectiveMatches 'broad' only in the sense of rough or general, as with a broad estimate or outline. For that meaning it suggests a loose, not-detailed treatment and is a natural choice.
- 大雑把おおざっぱna-adjectiveAlso covers 'broad' as rough or general, close to 大まか, but with a stronger sense of sweeping things together and glossing over detail. Use it for broad summaries or sweeping generalizations.
- 丸出しまるだしno-adjectiveMatches 'broad' only in the phrase broad accent, meaning fully exposed or unconcealed. For nearly every other sense of 'broad' this is not the word you want; it really means exposed or in full view.
- 露骨ろこつna-adjective, nounCovers 'broad' in the sense of unmistakably suggestive, as in broad humor or remarks. Its core meaning is lewd, crude or indecent, so it suits only that risqué sense and not wide scope.
Use 「幅広い」 for literally or figuratively wide scope, 「大まか」 or 大雑把 for rough, general statements or estimates, and reserve 「丸出し」 and 露骨 for the exposed and indecent senses respectively.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 幅広いはばひろいextensive
- 大まかおおまかrough (estimate, outline, etc.)
- 大雑把おおざっぱrough (estimate, summary, etc.)
- 丸出しまるだし(fully) exposed
- 幅広はばびろwide (e.g. belt, shoes, ribbon)
- 洋々ようようbroad
- 大乗的だいじょうてきbroad
- 大局的たいきょくてきbroad (view, perspective, etc.)
- 大づかみおおづかみrough (explanation, details, etc.)
- 幅の広いはばのひろいwide
- クソあまbitch
- 渺々びょうびょうboundless
- 俯瞰的ふかんてきpanoramic (view, perspective, etc.)
- 露骨ろこつbroad
- 開口かいこうopen
- 手広いてびろいextensive (business, dealings, etc.)
- 巨視的きょしてきcomprehensive
- 助すけbabe
- 大おおrough
See also
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