に渡って
Across, Throughout, Extends, Over (a period of time or range)
Structure
Noun + にわたる(2) + Noun
(1) にわたり
(2) にわたった
Explanation
When combined with the case marking particle に, the て-form of the う-Verb 渡る 'to cross' emphasizes the full extent of something, whether it be a physical space, a range of topics, or a duration of time. This pattern is commonly translated as 'over', 'throughout', 'spanning', or 'for the duration of'.
Just as with other verb-based patterns, the dictionary form can be used directly before a noun in order to describe it.
- そのお祭りは３日間に渡って開かれた。That festival was held over a period of three days.
- 数カ月に渡る話し合いの末、ようやく結論が出た。After discussions spanning several months, we finally reached a conclusion.
Drawing from the verb 渡る's original meaning of 'to cross over', this grammar point conveys that an action or state covers an entire area or period from one end to the other. Note that に渡って is a rather formal expression, commonly found in written materials or news broadcasts.
Caution
Since 渡る implies crossing a certain distance or period, the specific span being discussed must be explicitly stated in the sentence.
- 今日は一日に渡って雨が降り続いた。It continued to rain throughout the entire day today.
- この地域の広い範囲に渡って停電が発生した。A power outage occurred across a wide area of this region.
Examples
この祭は数世紀にも渡って続いている。
This festival has continued over many centuries.
３時間に渡る会議のせいで、皆くたくただ。
Everyone is exhausted because of the meeting that lasted for three hours.
台風の影響は関東地方全域に渡って広がっている。
The effects of the typhoon are spreading all across the Kanto region.
その研究は、医学から心理学まで広い分野に渡っている。
That research spans a wide range of fields, from medicine to psychology.
高速道路は１０キロに渡って渋滞している。
Traffic is backed up on the expressway for 10 kilometers.
このドラマは全１０回に渡って放送されます。
This drama will be broadcast over a total of 10 episodes.
一週間に渡る長い旅がようやく終わった。
The long journey that spanned an entire week has finally ended.
店内の改装のため、来週から一か月に渡り休業いたします。
Due to store renovations, we will be closed for a period of one month starting next week.
彼女は生涯に渡って子どもたちの教育に尽くした。
She dedicated herself to children's education throughout her entire life.
彼の知識は歴史や文化など、多方面に渡る。
His knowledge is wide-ranging, covering areas such as history and culture.
そのアニメは世代や国を超え、広い範囲に渡って愛されている。
That anime is loved across a wide range of people, transcending generations and countries.
二日間に渡って行われたコンサートは大成功だった。
The concert that was held over two days was a great success.