Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 拡大 | kakudai | [ka̠kɯ̟da̠i] (narrow) |
| 拡張 | kakuchō | [ka̠kɯ̟t͡ɕo̞ː] (narrow) |
| 展開 | tenkai | [tẽ̞ŋka̠i] (narrow) |
Japanese uses different words for expansion depending on whether you are talking about scope, physical size or the unfolding of a situation. Use 拡大 to describe an increase in scale, scope or influence. Use 拡張 when referring to an increase in physical size, capacity or functional range. Use 展開 to describe something that unfolds, develops or is deployed, such as a business strategy or a plot. Other related terms include 増強, which emphasizes strengthening or reinforcing existing elements and 発展, which refers to the process of development or progress. For a more casual description of an object or an idea swelling or expanding, you can use ふくらむ.
Which one should you use?
拡大 is used for the expansion of scale, scope or influence, such as market share or territory. 拡張 is used for the expansion of physical size, capacity or function, such as a building or a computer's memory. 展開 is used for the unfolding, deployment or development of something, like a story plot or a strategy.
How do you pronounce it?
kakudai
Did you know?
- While it means 'expansion', the verb ふくらむ is the natural way to describe a heart swelling with emotion or someone's expectations growing.
- The term 展開 can describe the way a story plot unfolds and the physical act of unrolling a traditional Japanese scroll or a map.
- While 拡大 means 'expansion', it is the standard technical term used when using a magnifying glass to make an object appear larger.
Examples in context
- 工場の拡張で生産力を増強する。Productivity will increase with the expansion of the factory.This sentence shows how to use 拡張 regarding a factory.Tatoeba #11027810 by KK_kaku_, translation #12356763 by tsole
- 曾ては『平和』のために軍備が拡張せられねばならぬと言われた。今は『平和』のために軍備が縮小せられねばならぬと言われる。『平和』がそれを聞いたら何と答えるだろう。It was once said that "peace" called for the expansion of arms. Now it is said that "peace" calls for the reduction of arms. I wonder what "peace" would say if she heard that?This sentence uses 拡張 in the context of military arms.Tatoeba #3429671 by tommy_san, translation #11310211 by pip
- ９世紀以降のバイキングの勢力拡大はノルマンディ、ガリシア、アンダルシア、シチリア、クリミアといった地域へと達した。The Viking expansion from the 9th century onwards reached areas such as Normandy, Galicia, Andalusia, Sicily and Crimea.This sentence demonstrates the use of 拡大 regarding the expansion of Viking influence.Tatoeba #993677 by mookeee, translation #860807 by U2FS
- このビジネスをもっと拡大したいですね。I want to expand this business further.
- 最新のトレンドがどんどん広がっていますね。The latest trend is spreading rapidly.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are discussing a company's business strategy.
- 結衣 Yui海外への事業拡大はどうですか？Kaigai e no jigyō kakudai wa dō desu ka?How about expanding the business overseas?
- 陽太 Yota今はまだ、国内の拡大に集中すべきです。Ima wa mada, kokunai no kakudai ni shūchū subeki desu.For now, we should focus on domestic expansion.
- 結衣 Yuiなるほど、慎重なプランですね。Naruhodo, shinchō na puran desu ne.I see, that is a cautious plan.
- 陽太 Yotaはい、着実に進めたいと考えています。Hai, chakujitsu ni susumetai to kangaete imasu.Yes, I want to proceed steadily.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “expansion” translations and entries 拡大, 拡張, 展開, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
