Translation guide
Expresses the event of coming into life. Japanese uses the passive form of 'to give birth' (生まれる) as the standard equivalent. The active form (生む) is used from the parent's perspective. There are also set phrases for birthplace and date of birth.
I was born in Tokyo.
Where were you born?
The most common meaning: a person or animal begins life.
The standard, neutral verb for 'to be born'. It is the passive form of 生む (to give birth). Used for people, animals, and metaphorically for new things.
I was born in Tokyo.
Emphasizes the process of being born and arriving in the world. Often used when speaking about a baby's arrival or the moment of birth.
A formal, Sino-Japanese verb for 'to be born'. Used in official contexts, historical records, or for the founding of organizations.
He was born in 1990.
When the subject is the mother or parent, use the active verb.
The transitive verb meaning 'to give birth'. The subject is the mother or female animal.
Talking about where someone was born or where something originated.
A noun meaning 'origin' or 'birthplace'. Commonly used in self-introductions. Pattern: [Place]出身です。
Referring to the specific day someone was born.
Expressing the family or situation one is born into.
Pattern: [family/situation]に生まれる. Used to say 'to be born into a ... family' or 'to be born in ... circumstances'.
Describing innate characteristics.
Pattern: [trait/talent]を持って生まれる. Literally 'to be born possessing ...'. Used for innate talents or physical traits.
When saying 'I was born', always use 生まれる (passive). Using 生む (active) would mean 'I gave birth', which is incorrect unless you are the mother.
生まれる is the everyday word for 'to be born'. 誕生する is formal and often used for historical figures, royalty, or the founding of institutions. In normal conversation, stick to 生まれる.
Three kittens were born.
I'm looking forward to the baby being born.
彼女は元気な男の子を生んだ。
She gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
A formal term for 'to give birth', often used in medical or official contexts.
She gave birth at the hospital.
A noun meaning 'birth' or 'birthplace'. Used in phrases like 東京生まれ (born in Tokyo).
He was born in Tokyo.
The formal term for 'date of birth', used on forms and documents.
Please fill in your date of birth.
Means 'birthday'. While it refers to the anniversary, it is often used when asking for someone's date of birth in casual conversation.
When is your birthday?
He was born into a wealthy family.
I was born into a poor family.
She was born with a talent for singing.
An adverb meaning 'by nature' or 'innately'. Used with adjectives or verbs to describe inherent qualities.
He was born with poor eyesight.