Translation guide
The English verb 'generate' covers creating, producing, or causing something to come into existence. Japanese equivalents vary based on what is being generated: electricity, data, interest, revenue, ideas, etc. This guide organizes the most common uses for learners.
To produce electricity or power, often through a generator or natural process.
The standard term for generating electricity. Used for power plants, solar panels, etc.
This dam generates a large amount of electricity.
Literally 'give birth to', used more broadly for creating energy, power, or abstract things. Slightly more literary.
Wind turbines generate clean energy.
To produce data, files, or output automatically or through a process.
Common in computing and technical contexts for generating data, code, images, etc.
This program generates random numbers.
General term for creating documents, lists, reports. Less technical than 生成.
The system automatically generates reports.
Specifically 'output' as a result of a process. Used in programming and data processing.
This function generates a string.
To bring about a result, often abstract, like interest, profit, or enthusiasm.
Broadly used for producing results, profits, interest, etc. Very natural.
The investment generated high profits.
Similar to 生む but emphasizes the creative act. Often used for ideas, innovation.
To cause or trigger something, often used for excitement, controversy, or problems.
To bring about a result, often positive or negative. Formal nuance.
To produce a set, sequence, or structure by rules.
Standard term in mathematics and computer science for generating sets, sequences, etc.
This rule generates an infinite sequence of numbers.
生む (umu) is the most common and versatile for abstract results like profit or interest. 生み出す (umidasu) emphasizes creative generation, often for ideas or innovation. 生成する (seisei suru) is technical, used for data, code, or mathematical objects. Avoid using 生成する for natural phenomena like electricity; use 発電する instead.
English 'generate' is often used in business contexts where Japanese prefers more specific verbs. For example, 'generate leads' is often 見込み客を獲得する (acquire prospects) rather than a literal translation. Always consider the natural collocation in Japanese.
ブレインストーミングで新しいアイデアを生み出した。
We generated new ideas through brainstorming.
The announcement generated a lot of interest.
新技術が経済成長をもたらす。
New technology generates economic growth.