Translation guide
The English verb 'cultivate' covers growing crops, developing skills or relationships, and fostering attitudes. Japanese uses different words depending on what is being cultivated.
To prepare and use land for growing plants, especially crops.
The most common and general term for cultivating plants, especially crops. Used for farming and gardening.
この地域では米を栽培しています。
They cultivate rice in this region.
Focuses on tilling or plowing the soil. Often used for preparing land for planting.
農家は春に畑を耕します。
Farmers cultivate the fields in spring.
Means 'to grow' or 'to raise' plants. More general and can be used for non-crop plants as well.
祖母は庭で花を育てています。
My grandmother cultivates flowers in her garden.
To try to acquire or develop a skill, quality, or relationship over time.
Used for cultivating abstract things like patience, taste, or relationships. Implies nurturing over time.
読書は想像力を養います。
Reading cultivates imagination.
彼は長年の努力で技術を養った。
He cultivated his skills through years of effort.
Similar to 養う, but often used for cultivating trust, relationships, or organizational culture. Slightly more formal.
Literally 'to polish'. Used for refining skills or talents, like 'cultivating an eye for beauty'.
A poetic word for nurturing something with care, like love or a sense of community. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
To try to get someone's friendship or support, often for personal gain.
Means to curry favor with someone. Used when you want to get on someone's good side.
彼は上司の機嫌を取ろうとしている。
He is trying to cultivate his boss's favor.
To ingratiate oneself with someone, often with a negative connotation of being calculating.
All three can translate 'cultivate' for abstract qualities. 養う is the most general and common. 培う is often used for relationships and trust, slightly more formal. 育む is poetic and implies careful nurturing over a long period, often used in formal speeches or writing.
栽培する is only for plants/crops. Using it for skills or relationships sounds unnatural and humorous, like 'farming patience'.
信頼関係を培うには時間がかかる。
It takes time to cultivate a trusting relationship.
She goes to museums to cultivate her aesthetic sense.
地域の絆を育むことが大切です。
It is important to cultivate community bonds.
She is trying to cultivate the powerful people.