Quote:
Originally Posted by jesselt
Would anyone be kind enough to elaborate the differences between 広まる、広がる、広げる、and 広める?
I've looked them up on Space Alc, but I was hoping for more of an explanation...
よろしくお願いします！
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First, let us divide the verbs into two groups of the same meaning but different verb types. This will be of great importance.
Group 1
広まる (intrans.) Something spreads by itself.
広める (trans.) Someone spreads something.
Group 2
広がる (intrans.)
広げる (trans.)
Now that the grouping is done, let us examine the meanings and usages.
Group 1: Used mostly to speak about man-made phenomena
Group 2: Used mostly to speak about natural phenomena.
Things that can 「広まる」and things one can 「広める」：
Education, knowledge, power, religion, etc.
Things that can 「広がる」and things one can 「広げる」：
River width, pollution, forest fire, flood, etc.
Exceptions: "Rumors and reputations" take all four forms as they spread both naturally and by human effort.