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To actively increase the number of friends or acquaintances one has by engaging in social activities or meeting new people.
就職活動を始める前に、友人関係を広げておくと役に立つよ。
It helps to expand your social circle before starting job hunting.
海外留学中は、現地の人と友人関係を広げるチャンスだ。
Studying abroad is a chance to expand your circle of friends with locals.
Often used in contexts like networking, making new friends, or improving social skills. Can imply both casual and intentional social expansion.
Use 友人関係を広げる when discussing intentional efforts to meet new people, such as joining clubs or attending events. Avoid using it for casual socializing without a goal.
友人関係を広げる focuses on the *number* of friends, while 人脈を広げる emphasizes *useful* connections. 交友関係を広げる is a more formal synonym.
Composed of 友人 (yūjin, 'friend') + 関係 (kankei, 'relationship') + を (particle) + 広げる (hirogeru, 'to spread/expand'). The verb 広げる (hirogeru) comes from 広い (hiroi, 'wide') with the suffix -geru indicating causative/transitive action.
This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversation and career contexts. It implies an active effort to meet new people, unlike passive socializing. Can sound slightly formal in casual settings but is generally natural.