Translation guide
How to express the idea of being raised or nurtured during childhood in Japanese, including common verbs and their nuances.
To say that someone was raised or grew up in a certain environment or by certain people.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be raised' or 'to grow up'. Focuses on the natural process of growing up in an environment.
I was brought up in the countryside.
He was brought up in a loving family.
Passive form of 育てる (to raise). Emphasizes being raised by someone. Often used when the agent is specified.
She was brought up by her grandmother.
I was brought up strictly.
Noun meaning 'upbringing' or 'breeding'. Often used in phrases like 育ちがいい (well-bred) or 育ちが悪い (ill-bred).
He was brought up well.
To specify who raised the person, often with a focus on the caregiver.
To describe the manner or style of upbringing, such as strictly, freely, or with certain values.
Pattern meaning 'to be brought up to be/do ~'. ように indicates the manner or goal of upbringing.
I was brought up to be an honest person.
He was brought up to be independent.
Literally 'to receive ~ education'. Used when upbringing is framed as a type of education or training.
To indicate the location where someone spent their childhood.
育つ (intransitive) focuses on the natural process of growing up, while 育てられる (passive) emphasizes the action of being raised by someone. Use 育つ for general upbringing and environment, and 育てられる when the agent is important.
He grew up in the countryside. (natural process)
He was raised by his grandmother. (agent specified)
Avoid directly translating 'be brought up' as 持って来られる or similar. The concept is expressed with verbs related to raising or growing.
The child was brought up by foster parents.
She was brought up with a strict education.
I was born and brought up in Osaka.