Translation guide
The English verb "derive" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: obtaining something from a source, originating from something, and the technical sense of deriving a formula. It also includes the less common meaning of inferring or deducing.
To get or receive something (benefit, pleasure, satisfaction, etc.) from a particular source.
derive pleasure from · derive benefit from · derive satisfaction from
The most common and versatile verb for 'obtain' or 'get'. Used for both tangible and intangible things.
彼はその仕事から大きな満足を得た。
He derived great satisfaction from his work.
Literally 'pull out', used when deriving something by extracting or eliciting it from a source, often with effort.
彼女はその経験から教訓を引き出した。
She derived a lesson from that experience.
Formal/literary term meaning 'to enjoy' or 'receive benefits'. Used for deriving pleasure, benefits, etc.
我々は自然の恵みを享受している。
We derive benefits from nature.
To come from or have its origin in something. Often used in passive or descriptive contexts.
derive from · be derived from · originate from
Standard verb meaning 'to originate from' or 'to be derived from'. Used for words, customs, products, etc.
この言葉はラテン語に由来する。
This word derives from Latin.
Means 'to derive' in the sense of branching off from something. Common in linguistics and technical contexts.
多くの英単語はラテン語から派生している。
Many English words are derived from Latin.
Literally 'have its origin in'. A straightforward phrase for stating where something comes from.
この習慣は古代ローマに起源を持つ。
This custom derives from ancient Rome.
Means 'to be based on' or 'to be grounded in'. Used when something is derived from a principle or foundation.
To reach a conclusion by reasoning; to infer or deduce something from available information.
derive a conclusion · derive an answer · derive from evidence
Means 'to derive' in the sense of drawing a conclusion through logical reasoning.
彼はそのデータから重要な結論を導き出した。
He derived an important conclusion from the data.
Formal verb for 'infer' or 'deduce'. Often used in academic or logical contexts.
与えられた前提から答えを推論した。
I derived the answer from the given premises.
Technical term meaning 'to conclude' or 'to follow logically'. Rare in everyday speech.
この定理は公理から帰結する。
This theorem is derived from the axioms.
To obtain a formula or equation through mathematical manipulation or logical steps.
derive an equation · derive a formula · derive a solution
Standard technical term for 'derive' in mathematics and physics.
この式は運動方程式から導出される。
This formula is derived from the equation of motion.
General verb meaning 'to find' or 'to obtain'. Commonly used in math problems when deriving a value or expression.
二次方程式の解を求めなさい。
Derive the solution to the quadratic equation.
Means 'to calculate' or 'to compute'. Used when deriving a numerical result.
必要なパラメータを実験データから算出した。
We derived the necessary parameters from the experimental data.
Both mean 'derive from', but 由来する is broader (origin in general), while 派生する emphasizes branching off from a main source, often used in linguistics or technical fields.
この単語はフランス語に由来する。
This word derives from French.
この単語はラテン語から派生した。
This word is derived from Latin.
English often uses 'derive from' in passive constructions. Japanese prefers active or stative expressions like 由来する or 起源を持つ. Direct translations like から派生される are unnatural.
彼女は絵を描くことから大きな喜びを得ている。
She derives great joy from painting.
「algebra」という言葉はアラビア語に由来する。
The word 'algebra' derives from Arabic.
基本的な微積分を使ってその公式を導出できる。
We can derive the formula using basic calculus.
この理論は実験結果に基づいている。
This theory is derived from experimental results.