Translation guide
Expresses that a wish, dream, hope, or goal has been realized or satisfied. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is being fulfilled.
To say that a personal desire or aspiration has been realized.
The most common and natural way to say a wish or dream comes true. 叶う is an intransitive verb meaning 'to be granted/realized'.
My long-held dream has come true.
Her wish was fulfilled, and she got to study abroad.
Means 'to be realized/actualized'. Used for plans, goals, or abstract ideas becoming reality. More formal than 叶う.
His plan was finally realized.
Specifically for dreams being realized. Slightly more formal than 夢が叶う.
My childhood dream has been fulfilled.
To express a sense of personal satisfaction or emotional fulfillment.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be filled/satisfied'. Used for emotional or spiritual fulfillment, not for wishes coming true.
Doing this work makes me feel fulfilled.
When I'm with her, I feel fulfilled.
Noun meaning 'sense of fulfillment'. Often used with 感じる or 得る.
Means 'to be satisfied/content'. Often used for material or situational satisfaction, but can also imply emotional fulfillment.
I am satisfied with my current life.
To say that an obligation or condition has been satisfied.
Transitive verb 満たす means 'to fulfill/satisfy'. Used for conditions, requirements, criteria. The passive form 条件が満たされる is also common.
Do you meet the application requirements?
All necessary conditions were fulfilled.
Means 'to fulfill a promise'. 果たす is a transitive verb meaning 'to accomplish/fulfill'. The passive 約束が果たされる is also used.
He fulfilled his promise.
To say that a prophecy or prediction has been realized.
叶う is for personal wishes and dreams. 実現する is for plans, goals, or abstract ideas becoming reality, often in formal contexts. 満たされる is for emotional or spiritual fulfillment, not for wishes coming true.
English 'be fulfilled' covers many nuances. Using a single Japanese word for all contexts will sound unnatural. Choose the expression based on what is being fulfilled.
I feel a sense of fulfillment every day.