方々(ほうぼう)

ほうぼう
noun, adverb
here and there; everywhere; all around
1. here and there; everywhere; all around; various places
Many different places; in all directions. Indicates searching, visiting, or existing in multiple locations.
方々(ほうぼう)探(さが)したが、見(み)つからなかった。
I searched everywhere but couldn't find it.
彼(かれ)は方々(ほうぼう)に借金(しゃっきん)がある。
He has debts all over the place.
仕事(しごと)で方々(ほうぼう)飛(と)び回(まわ)っている。
I'm running around to various places for work.
方々(ほうぼう)に電話(でんわ)して確認(かくにん)した。
I called various places to confirm.
彼(かれ)は方々(ほうぼう)で顔(かお)が広(ひろ)い。
He is well-known in various places.

READING: This word has two readings with different meanings:

  • ほうぼう - here and there, everywhere
  • かたがた - people (polite plural)

USAGE: Often used with verbs of motion or searching to indicate visiting or covering many locations.

PATTERNS:

  • 方々(ほうぼう)を回(まわ)る (to go around to various places)
  • 方々(ほうぼう)探(さが)す (to search everywhere)
  • 方々(ほうぼう)に (in various places, to various places)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • あちこち (here and there - more casual)
  • 所々(ところどころ) (here and there - sporadic)
  • 各地(かくち) (various regions - more formal)

Related Words

Related: 所々(ところどころ) (here and there (sporadic))
Contrast: 方々(かたがた) (people (polite))
core
Added 2026.1.13 19:53 · Revised 2026.2.2 23:36
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