Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of childbirth is expressed through several terms that differ in formality, context, and nuance. The most common general term is 出産, while お産 is a softer, more personal expression. Medical and formal contexts often use 分娩, and the act of giving birth is 出産する or 産む.
The most common and neutral way to refer to childbirth in everyday conversation and writing.
The standard, neutral term for childbirth. Can be used in most contexts, from casual to formal.
She safely gave birth.
A softer, more personal and somewhat traditional term for childbirth. Often used in family contexts or by women. The prefix お adds politeness and warmth.
Used in medical settings, official documents, or formal discussions about childbirth.
The clinical term for childbirth or delivery. Commonly used in hospitals and medical literature.
Expressing the action of giving birth.
The verb form of 出産. Neutral and widely used.
Referring to the experience or process of childbirth, often in a narrative or descriptive way.
Literally 'the experience of childbirth.' Used when talking about what it was like.
Specific terms related to types of childbirth.
Natural childbirth, without medical intervention.
The due date is next month.
It's good that the delivery was easy.
The delivery room is this way.
I would like an epidural (painless delivery).
I'm due to give birth next month.
The most basic verb meaning 'to give birth.' Often used for animals as well, but perfectly natural for humans. More direct than 出産する.
She gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
Same pronunciation as 産む, but this kanji is used more broadly for 'to produce' or 'to give rise to.' For childbirth, 産む is preferred, but 生む is sometimes seen.
For childbirth, 産む is the standard kanji. Using 生む may be seen as less precise.
To bring forth new life.
Please tell me about your childbirth experience.
A more personal way to say 'during childbirth' or 'at the time of delivery.'
It was very painful during childbirth.
I chose natural childbirth.
Cesarean section. Often abbreviated as 帝切 (ていせつ) in medical contexts.
I gave birth by C-section.
Water birth.
Some people wish to have a water birth.
The delivery was tough, but the baby is healthy.
The progress of labor is going well.
Both are read うむ, but 産む specifically means 'to give birth' (to a baby or animal). 生む means 'to produce' or 'to create' in a broader sense (e.g., 利益を生む 'to generate profit'). For childbirth, always use 産む unless you intend the broader meaning.
Childbirth is a miracle.