Translation guide
The concept of birth in English covers the event of being born, the act of giving birth, and related ideas like origin or lineage. This guide helps learners express these naturally in Japanese.
birth (event)
Talking about someone's birth, date of birth, or birthplace.
The most common word for 'birth' as an event. Used for people, animals, and metaphorically for organizations or ideas.
His birth was a great joy for the family.
More formal or literary term for 'birth', often used for historical figures or in commemorative contexts.
Used in official or statistical contexts, like birth records or birth rate.
Describing the process of childbirth or delivering a baby.
The standard word for 'giving birth' or 'childbirth'. Used for the physical act.
Referring to the start or origin of something non-living, like an idea, movement, or era.
Talking about someone's birth in terms of social status, family, or ancestry.
Refers to birth in the sense of one's origin or upbringing. Often used in phrases like 生まれが良い (well-born).
誕生 (たんじょう) is the general event of being born. 出産 (しゅっさん) is the act of giving birth from the mother's perspective. 出生 (しゅっしょう) is used in official records and statistics.
The English loanword バース is not commonly used for 'birth'. It may appear in compound words like バースデー (birthday), but 誕生 or 出産 are the natural choices.
She gave birth to twins.
When is your birthday?
キリストの生誕を祝う。
Celebrate the birth of Christ.
出生率が低下している。
The birth rate is declining.
Submit a birth registration.
She gave birth safely.
The due date is next month.
The most natural verb phrase for 'give birth to a child'. Note the transitive verb 産む.
She gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
Medical term for 'delivery' or 'parturition'. Used in clinical settings.
Head to the delivery room.
Metaphorically extends to the birth of organizations, inventions, etc.
The birth of a new political party was announced.
Means 'beginning' or 'start', often a more natural translation than 'birth' for abstract concepts.
The birth of the internet was in the 1960s.
Means 'origin' or 'genesis', used for historical or scientific origins.
Study the origin of life.
He is of noble birth.
I was born in Tokyo. (lit. My birthplace is Tokyo.)
Means 'origin' or 'background', often used for where someone is from or their alma mater.
Where is your birthplace?
The birth of the universe.