Meaning and Usage
"拡充" (かくじゅう) means "expansion" or "enlargement," often used in formal contexts such as business, government, or institutional settings. It refers to increasing the scale, capacity, or scope of something, like funds, infrastructure, or collections.
Common Collocations
- 資金の拡充 (しきんのかくじゅう): expansion of funds, often for investment or development.
- 蔵書の拡充 (ぞうしょのかくじゅう): expansion of a library's collection.
- インフラの拡充 (いんふらのかくじゅう): expansion of infrastructure.
Register and Nuance
"拡充" is a formal noun and is commonly used in written and formal spoken Japanese. It is less common in casual conversation. When you use "拡充," you imply a planned, systematic increase rather than a casual or spontaneous growth.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "拡充" with "拡大" (かくだい), which also means expansion but often refers to physical enlargement or scaling up in a more general sense. "拡充" emphasizes the enhancement or enrichment of capacity or resources, so use it when talking about expanding capabilities or resources rather than just size.
Tips for Learners
Use "拡充" when discussing formal plans or policies to increase resources, infrastructure, or services. It pairs well with words related to funds, facilities, collections, and systems. Remember to use it in formal contexts to sound natural.