Translation guide
The English word 'foster' can refer to raising a child who is not one's biological offspring, or to promoting the growth or development of something. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both meanings.
To care for and bring up a child who is not biologically one's own, often in a temporary or state-supported arrangement.
They are fostering a child.
A formal term meaning 'to nurture' or 'to bring up', often used in legal or official contexts regarding foster care.
The organization fosters underprivileged children.
This phrase emphasizes the temporary nature of foster care, meaning 'to take in a child as a foster child'.
We are fostering the child (temporarily).
This means 'to become a foster parent', focusing on the role rather than the action of raising.
She decided to become a foster parent.
To encourage or help the development of something such as a skill, idea, or relationship.
This verb means 'to nurture' or 'to foster' in a caring, gradual way. It is often used for abstract things like love, trust, or talent.
It's important to foster children's curiosity.
Means 'to promote' or 'to accelerate'. It is more direct and often used in business or policy contexts.
Often means 'to encourage' or 'to foster', but can carry a negative nuance of fostering something undesirable. Use with caution.
Often used for negative outcomes; not neutral like 'foster'.
Means 'to cultivate' or 'to foster' over a long period, often used for skills, culture, or relationships.
育む (はぐくむ) implies a gentle, nurturing process, often for abstract qualities. 育てる (そだてる) is more general and can be used for raising children, plants, or animals. For fostering a child, use 里親として育てる, not 育む.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all meanings of 'foster'. Avoid using フォスターする, which is not standard Japanese. Choose the expression based on whether you mean raising a child or promoting development.
It takes time to foster a relationship of trust.
The government introduced policies to foster economic growth.
Overprotection fosters dependency in children.
国際交流を通じて相互理解を培う。
Foster mutual understanding through international exchange.