What it means
にわたって indicates that an action, event, or condition continues across the whole span of a specified period, range, area, or sometimes field. It emphasizes the extent covered rather than a single point in time. It commonly follows nouns such as periods, regions, and a wide range of subjects, and it is more formal than simply using a duration phrase with に.
Usage note
にわたって is often used with a duration or range that is relatively broad or significant. Do not confuse it with に対して, which means “toward,” “against,” or “in contrast to.” Related forms such as にわたり and にわたる are selected according to the grammatical position of the expression.
How to use it
研究チームは三年間にわたって調査を続けました。
The research team continued the investigation for three years.
研究チームは三年間にわたって調査を続けた。
The research team continued the investigation for three years.
Example sentences
三日間にわたって停電が続いたため、住民は公民館で過ごした。
Because the power outage continued for three days, the residents spent their time at the community center.
春休みの二週間にわたって、大学の図書館は改修工事のため閉館する。
Throughout the two weeks of spring vacation, the university library will be closed for renovation work.
全国にわたって大雨が