Translation guide
The English phrase 'bringing up' can refer to raising children, introducing a topic in conversation, or physically carrying something upward. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To care for and educate a child from infancy to adulthood.
The most common and general verb for raising children, animals, or plants. Transitive.
彼女は三人の子供を育てた。
She brought up three children.
Noun meaning 'child-rearing' or 'parenting'. Often used in contexts like parenting support or childcare.
子育ては大変ですが、やりがいがあります。
Bringing up children is tough, but rewarding.
Formal term for raising and nurturing a child, often used in legal or official contexts.
親には子供を養育する義務がある。
Parents have a duty to bring up their children.
Literary verb meaning to nurture or foster, often used for emotional or abstract upbringing.
愛情を込めて子供を育む。
Bring up a child with love.
To mention or start discussing a subject in conversation.
Literally 'make into a topic'. The most natural way to say 'bring up a topic'.
会議でその問題を話題にした。
I brought up that issue at the meeting.
To bring up a subject, often implying it might be sensitive or unexpected.
彼は給料の話を持ち出した。
He brought up the topic of salary.
To start talking about something, often the first person to mention it.
Formal term for raising a question or issue, common in meetings or academic settings.
新しい問題を提起した。
He brought up a new problem.
To lift or transport something to a higher place.
Literally 'carry and go up'. Used when bringing an object upstairs or to a higher floor.
荷物を二階に持って上がってください。
Please bring the luggage upstairs.
To carry something up, often with effort or for heavy items.
家具を階段で運び上げるのは大変だ。
Bringing furniture up the stairs is tough.
To eject stomach contents through the mouth.
General verb for vomiting. Can be used in casual contexts.
気分が悪くて、食べたものを吐いてしまった。
I felt sick and brought up what I ate.
Euphemistic verb for vomiting, literally 'return'. Softer than 吐く.
Do not translate 'bringing up' word-for-word as '上に持ってくる' unless you mean physically carrying something upward. For raising children or introducing topics, use the specific expressions above.
育てる is the everyday word for raising children. 養育する is formal and often used in legal or official documents about child welfare.
彼女は一人で三人の子供を育てた。
She brought up three children on her own.
彼は議論の中で面白い点を話題にした。
He brought up an interesting point during the discussion.
誰が最初にそのアイデアを言い出したの？
Who first brought up that idea?
The baby brought up the milk.