1.
to reach out; to stretch out one's hand
To physically extend one's arm and hand toward something, typically to grab or touch it.
2.
to expand into; to extend one's reach to
To figuratively extend one's influence, business, or activity into a new area or field.
An idiomatic expression using 手 (hand) and 伸ばす (to extend, to stretch). The literal meaning of physically reaching for something naturally extends to figurative uses about expanding influence or scope.
Usage
Sense 1 is common in everyday situations. Sense 2 is frequently used in business and organizational contexts to describe expanding into new markets, fields, or demographics.
Common collocations
- 手を伸ばして取る — to reach out and grab
- 海外に手を伸ばす — to expand overseas
- 新しい分野に手を伸ばす — to branch into a new field
Similar words
Related Words
Compare:
進出 (to advance into, to expand into)