Meaning
to spread; to become widespread; to permeate; to diffuse
Nuance & Usage
普及する describes the widespread adoption or diffusion of a technology, idea, product, or practice throughout society. 普及率 (fukyuu-ritsu — penetration rate, adoption rate), 急速に普及する (to spread rapidly), 普及活動 (awareness-raising activities) are common expressions. Unlike 広まる (hiromaru — to spread, more casual and can apply to rumors or news), 普及する has a stronger nuance of systematic, societal adoption — it's used in the context of inventions, systems, and practices becoming normalized.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 普及する with 広まる (hiromaru — to spread, casual), 浸透する (shintou suru — to permeate/penetrate deeply, implies thorough assimilation), and 流行る (hayaru — to be trendy, temporary). 普及 implies lasting, widespread adoption into the mainstream. 普及が進む (adoption is advancing), 普及に努める (to work toward widespread adoption) are useful patterns. 普及させる (to spread/disseminate) is the transitive causative form.
Example Sentences
すまーとふぉんが普及して、人々の生活スタイルが大きく変わった。
すまーとふぉんがふきゅうして、ひとびとのせいかつすたいるがおおきくかわった。
As smartphones became widespread, people's lifestyles changed greatly.
再生可能なえねるぎーが社会全体に普及するには、まだ課題が多い。
さいせいかのうなえねるぎーがしゃかいぜんたいにふきゅうするには、まだかだいがおおい。
There are still many challenges for renewable energy to become widespread throughout society.
いんたーねっとの普及により、情報へのアクセスが民主化されたと言われている。
いんたーねっとのふきゅうにより、じょうほうへのあくせすがみんしゅかされたといわれている。
It is said that the spread of the internet democratized access to information.
Quick Quiz
N14 questionsTest your knowledge of 普及する with 4 different question types.
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