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.
私は東京で生まれました。
I was born in Tokyo.
出身はどこですか？
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.
私は東京で生まれました。
I was born in Tokyo.
子猫が三匹生まれた。
Three kittens were born.
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.
赤ちゃんが生まれてくるのを楽しみにしています。
I'm looking forward to the baby being born.
A formal, Sino-Japanese verb for 'to be born'. Used in official contexts, historical records, or for the founding of organizations.
彼は1990年に誕生した。
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.
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.
彼女は病院で出産した。
She gave birth at the hospital.
Talking about where someone was born or where something originated.
Referring to the specific day someone was born.
The formal term for 'date of birth', used on forms and documents.
生年月日を記入してください。
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.
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'.
彼は裕福な家庭に生まれた。
He was born into a wealthy family.
私は貧しい家に生まれました。
I was born into a poor family.
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.
彼女は歌の才能を持って生まれた。
She was born with a talent for singing.
An adverb meaning 'by nature' or 'innately'. Used with adjectives or verbs to describe inherent qualities.
彼は生まれつき目が悪い。
He was born with poor eyesight.
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.
He was born in Tokyo.
誕生日はいつですか？
When is your birthday?