Meaning and Usage
"広める" (ひろめる) means "to spread," "to propagate," or "to broaden" something such as information, ideas, or influence. It is a transitive verb, so it requires a direct object — something that is being spread or expanded.
Common Contexts
This verb is often used in contexts like spreading news, ideas, awareness, or reputation. For example, companies use it to talk about promoting products or campaigns, and social groups use it to raise awareness about causes.
Collocations and Patterns
- 広める + 〜を (direct object): The thing being spread (e.g., 情報を広める - to spread information).
- 〜の大切さを広める: To spread the importance of something.
- 口コミで広める: To spread by word of mouth.
Register and Nuance
"広める" is neutral and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It implies active effort to make something known or accepted by more people.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "広める" with "広がる" (ひろがる), which is intransitive and means "to spread" or "to expand" by itself. Remember, "広める" requires a direct object and means "to cause something to spread."