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.
This is the most direct and common way to say 'to foster a child'. It literally means 'to raise as a foster parent'.
彼らは里親として子供を育てている。
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.
To encourage or help the development of something such as a skill, idea, or relationship.
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.
The organization fosters underprivileged children.
This phrase emphasizes the temporary nature of foster care, meaning 'to take in a child as a foster child'.
私たちは里子としてその子を預かっている。
We are fostering the child (temporarily).
This means 'to become a foster parent', focusing on the role rather than the action of raising.
彼女は里親になることを決意した。
She decided to become a foster parent.
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.
子供の好奇心を育むことが大切だ。
It's important to foster children's curiosity.
信頼関係を育むには時間がかかる。
It takes time to foster a relationship of trust.
Means 'to promote' or 'to accelerate'. It is more direct and often used in business or policy contexts.
政府は経済成長を促進する政策を導入した。
The government introduced policies to foster economic growth.
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'.
過保護は子供の依存心を助長する。
Overprotection fosters dependency in children.
Means 'to cultivate' or 'to foster' over a long period, often used for skills, culture, or relationships.
国際交流を通じて相互理解を培う。
Foster mutual understanding through international exchange.