Translation guide
The English word 'flourishing' describes thriving, growing vigorously, or being successful. In Japanese, the best equivalent depends on what is flourishing: a business, a culture, a plant, or a person. This guide covers common ways to express the idea naturally.
This town is flourishing thanks to tourism.
Similar to 繁栄している but slightly more common in spoken Japanese. Often used for towns, shops, or families.
That shop has been flourishing for a long time.
Means 'flourishing' or 'popular', often used for activities, industries, or cultural practices. It implies vigorous activity.
Agriculture is flourishing in this region.
A formal, literary phrase meaning 'to be at the height of prosperity'. Used in historical or dramatic contexts.
The dynasty was flourishing at that time.
To describe plants, trees, or natural growth that is healthy, lush, and abundant.
Specifically for plants growing thickly and luxuriantly. Often used for weeds, bushes, or forests.
Weeds are flourishing in the garden.
A simple, natural way to say plants are growing well. Suitable for cultivated plants.
The tomatoes are flourishing.
Describes lush, green vegetation. Emphasizes the vibrant green color of flourishing plants.
The mountains are flourishing with greenery.
To describe a person who is doing well, feeling fulfilled, and living a vibrant life.
Means 'fulfilled' or 'enriched'. Commonly used for a satisfying life, career, or daily routine.
He is flourishing both at work and in his personal life now.
Describes someone full of life, energetic, and vibrant. Often used for older people who are active or for someone's expression.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to be prosperous' or 'to be doing well financially'. Often implies showing off wealth.
He seems to be flourishing lately.
To describe a period or place where arts, culture, or intellectual activity is thriving.
Literally 'to bloom', metaphorically used for talents, cultures, or movements reaching their peak.
The arts flourished during the Renaissance.
Can also be used for cultural flourishing, similar to 'prosper'.
Formal term for the rise and flourishing of something like a nation, culture, or industry.
繁栄 (han'ei) is more formal and often used for nations or large-scale economies. 栄える (sakaeru) is slightly more casual and common for towns or shops. 盛ん (sakan) emphasizes active, vigorous flourishing, often for activities or trends.
a nation flourishes
a shop flourishes
sports are flourishing
While 'flourishing' can describe a person in English, directly translating it as 繁栄している人 sounds unnatural. Use 充実している or 生き生きとしている instead.
My grandmother is 80 but still flourishing.
この都市では多様な文化が栄えている。
Diverse cultures are flourishing in this city.
An era when Buddhist culture flourished.