Translation guide
The English phrase "give birth" refers to the act of delivering a baby. In Japanese, the most common and neutral expression is 出産する (shussan suru), but there are several other verbs and phrases that vary by formality, context, and nuance. This guide covers the main ways to express this concept, from everyday conversation to formal and medical settings.
Expressing the act of giving birth in a straightforward, everyday manner.
The most common and neutral verb for 'give birth'. Used in both spoken and written Japanese. It is a suru-verb.
She gave birth to a baby girl last month.
The due date is next month.
A common verb meaning 'to give birth' or 'to bear'. Slightly more direct and can be used for animals as well. Often used in casual conversation.
She gave birth to three children.
The cat gave birth to kittens.
Same reading as 産む, but this kanji is used more broadly for 'to produce' or 'to give rise to'. When referring to childbirth, 産む is preferred, but 生む can appear in some contexts.
For childbirth, 産む is the standard kanji. Using 生む may be seen as less precise.
She brought a new life into the world.
Expressing the act of giving birth in formal, written, or medical contexts.
Formal/medical term for 'delivery' or 'childbirth'. Used in clinical settings or official documents.
The delivery was completed safely.
The delivery room is this way.
A polite and somewhat formal way to say 'give birth'. The honorific prefix お makes it more respectful. Commonly used in polite conversation.
She safely gave birth.
Focusing on the process of labor and delivery rather than the result.
Expressing that an animal gives birth.
Using 'give birth' in a figurative sense, such as creating or producing something new.
Both are read うむ. 産む is specifically for giving birth (humans and animals). 生む is for producing, creating, or giving rise to something (ideas, profits, problems). For childbirth, always use 産む unless you intend a more abstract nuance.
Avoid directly translating 'give' and 'birth' as separate words. The phrase 'give birth' is a single concept in English and corresponds to specific Japanese verbs. Saying 誕生を与える (tanjou wo ataeru) is unnatural.
She gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
When is she due to give birth?
彼女は夜中に産気づいた。
She went into labor in the middle of the night.
That policy gave birth to many problems.