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.
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.
She derived a lesson from that experience.
Formal/literary term meaning 'to enjoy' or 'receive benefits'. Used for deriving pleasure, benefits, etc.
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.
This word derives from Latin.
Means 'to derive' in the sense of branching off from something. Common in linguistics and technical contexts.
Literally 'have its origin in'. A straightforward phrase for stating where something comes from.
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.
He derived an important conclusion from the data.
Formal verb for 'infer' or 'deduce'. Often used in academic or logical contexts.
I derived the answer from the given premises.
Technical term meaning 'to conclude' or 'to follow logically'. Rare in everyday speech.
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.
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.
Means 'to calculate' or 'to compute'. Used when deriving a numerical result.
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.
This word derives from French.
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.
She derives great joy from painting.
The word 'algebra' derives from Arabic.
We can derive the formula using basic calculus.
Many English words are derived from Latin.
This custom derives from ancient Rome.
この理論は実験結果に基づいている。
This theory is derived from experimental results.
二次方程式の解を求めなさい。
Derive the solution to the quadratic equation.