广泛 (guǎngfàn)

广泛 describes something that covers a wide range, affects many areas, or is spread across a large scope. It is used to modify nouns or to describe how extensively something is done. It carries a neutral to positive connotation of breadth and reach.

Meanings

[adjective] Widespread; extensive; broad; wide-ranging.

Example Sentences

这项技术在医疗、教育和工业领域都得到了广泛应用。 Zhè xiàng jìshù zài yīliáo, jiàoyù hé gōngyè lǐngyù dōu dédào le guǎngfàn yìngyòng. This technology has been widely applied in the fields of medicine, education, and industry.

她阅读范围十分广泛，从历史小说到科学论文都有涉猎。 Tā yuèdú fànwéi shífēn guǎngfàn, cóng lìshǐ xiǎoshuō dào kēxué lùnwén dōu yǒu shèliè. Her reading is very extensive, ranging from historical fiction to scientific papers.

这一话题引起了社会各界的广泛关注和讨论。 Zhè yī huàtí yǐnqǐ le shèhuì gèjiè de guǎngfàn guānzhù hé tǎolùn. This topic has attracted widespread attention and discussion from all sectors of society.

他在工作中积累了广泛的专业人脉，对职业发展帮助很大。 Tā zài gōngzuò zhōng jīlěi le guǎngfàn de zhuānyè rénmài, duì zhíyè fāzhǎn bāngzhù hěn dà. He accumulated an extensive professional network at work, which is very helpful for career development.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
广泛应用	widely applied
广泛关注	widespread attention
广泛影响	widespread influence
广泛合作	extensive cooperation
涉及广泛	cover a wide range

Usage Notes

广泛 is typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun (广泛的影响, 广泛的合作) or as an adverb before a verb (广泛应用, 广泛参与). It focuses on the scope or range of coverage, whereas 普遍 (pǔbiàn, universal/common) emphasizes that something is true or common across all cases. A useful contrast: 广泛应用 (applied across many fields) vs. 普遍存在 (existing in virtually all cases).

Memory Hook

广 means "vast/wide" and 泛 means "to spread across/overflow." 广泛 paints a picture of water spreading wide in all directions, covering everything within reach.