Translation guide
The English word "development" covers a wide range of meanings, from growth and progress to creation and real estate. This guide breaks down the most common uses for learners and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
To talk about gradual improvement, advancement, or expansion over time.
General term for development, growth, or expansion. Used for countries, cities, businesses, technology, etc.
This town is developing rapidly.
Economic development is important.
Often used for physical, mental, or skill development. Implies reaching a more advanced or mature state.
Children's language development is fast.
Technology has developed.
Focuses on growth, often in size, scale, or personal maturity. Common for personal development, economic growth, and child development.
I study for self-development.
The economic growth rate increased.
Primarily means 'development' in the sense of creating or exploiting resources, land, or products. Can overlap with 'growth' in some contexts but is more about active creation.
Development of new products takes time.
To talk about the process of making, designing, or building something from scratch.
The standard term for development of products, software, systems, drugs, etc. Implies a planned, often technical process.
I'm developing an app.
Used for creative works like films, games, art. Emphasizes the production aspect.
To talk about turning land into housing, commercial areas, etc.
To talk about a recent occurrence or update, often in news or stories.
Progress or development in a situation. Often used in news or formal contexts.
There was a new development in the case.
Unfolding or development of events, often in a story or situation.
Movement or development in a situation, often used in business or politics.
To talk about developing oneself, one's abilities, or character.
Personal growth, maturity. Often used for children or self-improvement.
He has developed greatly as a person.
Self-development, self-improvement. Often used in the context of training or education.
Skill development, often in a professional context.
To talk about developing film or photos.
The technical term for developing photographic film.
I had the film developed.
発展 (hatten) is for abstract growth or expansion (economy, town). 発達 (hattatsu) is for maturation or advancement of abilities, body, or technology. 開発 (kaihatsu) is for active creation or exploitation (products, land, resources).
While 開発 can mean development, it is not used for personal or emotional growth. Use 成長 or 発達 instead.
Development of a new drug takes many years.
映画の制作が始まった。
Development of the movie has begun.
To build up or create something through effort. More colloquial than 開発.
We developed a new system.
Developers bought up the land.
Redevelopment of the station area is progressing.
物語の展開が面白い。
The development of the story is interesting.
市場の動きに注目している。
I'm watching market developments.
I read books for self-development.
We focus on employee development.
self-development (natural)