Translation guide
The English verb "develop" covers a wide range of meanings, from growth and creation to acquiring skills or diseases. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is developing.
To talk about something evolving, advancing, or unfolding over time.
General term for development, progress, or expansion of things like cities, economies, or technology.
この町は急速に発展している。
This town is developing rapidly.
Used for growth or development of living things, skills, or systems, often implying maturation or advancement.
子どもの脳は急速に発達する。
A child's brain develops rapidly.
Means 'to advance' or 'to progress'. Can be used when a situation or plan develops.
交渉は順調に進んでいる。
The negotiations are developing smoothly.
Often used for stories, plots, or events unfolding.
物語が意外な方向に展開した。
The story developed in an unexpected direction.
To talk about making a new product, system, or idea.
The standard term for developing products, software, technology, or resources.
新しいアプリを開発しています。
We are developing a new app.
Literally 'to create/produce', used for developing new methods or ideas.
彼は新しい治療法を作り出した。
He developed a new treatment method.
To talk about gaining an ability or characteristic over time.
Means 'to acquire' a skill or habit through effort.
英語力を身につけたい。
I want to develop my English skills.
To cultivate or foster a quality, often used for patience, trust, or relationships.
To improve or stretch an existing ability.
To talk about the onset of a disease or issue.
Medical term for developing a disease or showing symptoms.
彼は糖尿病を発症した。
He developed diabetes.
Common verb for 'to get/contract' an illness.
風邪をひいたり、インフルエンザにかかったりする。
I catch colds and develop the flu.
Formal term for a problem or symptom arising.
To talk about developing film in photography.
Specific term for developing film or prints.
フィルムを現像に出した。
I had the film developed.
To talk about constructing buildings or exploiting natural resources.
Used for real estate development or resource exploitation.
その土地は住宅地として開発された。
The land was developed as a residential area.
Both mean 'develop', but 発展する is for abstract or large-scale progress (economy, city), while 発達する is for organic growth or maturation (body, skills).
Saying 英語が発展する sounds unnatural. Use 上達する or 身につける instead.
状況が急速に進展している。
The situation is developing quickly.
彼女は新しい理論を展開した。
She developed a new theory.
忍耐力を培うことが大切だ。
It's important to develop patience.
I practice to develop my talent.
合併症が生じる可能性がある。
Complications may develop.