How to say "enlarge" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 広げるひろげるichidan verb, transitive verbCovers 'enlarge' in the general sense of making something larger or wider, or expanding or extending it — think of enlarging a room. Spreading something out is a separate sense of this word.
- 引き伸ばすひきのばすgodan verb, transitive verbUse it when you want a photograph or print enlarged; its 'enlarge' sense does not go beyond photos.
- 広めるひろめるichidan verb, transitive verbIts 'enlarge' sense is widening or broadening — extending something's scope or range. It is not the word for making a physical thing bigger.
「広げる」 is the general word for making something larger or wider, 「引き伸ばす」 is only for enlarging photographs, and 「広める」 widens or broadens something's scope or range rather than making it physically bigger.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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