Translation guide
The process of maturing from childhood to adulthood, or the period during which this happens. Japanese expressions vary depending on whether you're talking about the process, the location, or the state of being an adult.
Describing the general process of growing up, becoming an adult, or maturing over time.
General term for growth, both physical and mental. Can be used for people, animals, or even abstract things like companies.
子供はあっという間に成長する。
Children grow up in the blink of an eye.
Literally 'become an adult'. Focuses on reaching adulthood, often implying responsibility or maturity.
早く大人になりたい。
I want to grow up quickly.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be raised' or 'to grow up'. Often used for children being brought up in a certain environment.
彼は田舎で育った。
He grew up in the countryside.
Passive form of 育てる (to raise). Emphasizes being raised by someone or in some way.
私は祖父母に育てられた。
I was raised by my grandparents.
Referring to the time when someone was growing up, often used in past tense narratives.
Means 'when I was a child'. Very common for talking about one's own childhood.
子供の頃、よくこの公園で遊んだ。
When I was growing up, I often played in this park.
Means 'when I was young'. Can refer to a broader period, including teenage years and early adulthood.
若い頃はよく旅行した。
When I was growing up, I traveled a lot.
Literally 'growth period'. Often used in medical or developmental contexts, like puberty.
Describing where someone spent their childhood or was raised.
Telling someone to act their age or stop being childish.
Direct command: 'Grow up!' or 'Act like an adult!' Used when scolding someone for childish behavior.
もう子供じゃないんだから、大人になりなさい。
You're not a child anymore, so grow up.
Means 'get a grip' or 'pull yourself together'. Implies the person needs to be more mature or responsible.
しっかりしなさい。もう大人でしょ。
Grow up. You're an adult now.
The English phrase 'growing up' is often used as a noun or gerund, but Japanese does not have a direct equivalent. Avoid literal translations like 育っていること. Instead, use the appropriate verb or phrase based on context.
育つ (intransitive) focuses on the natural process of growing up, while 育てられる (passive) emphasizes being raised by someone. Use 育つ for 'I grew up in...' and 育てられる for 'I was raised by...'.
大人になるのは大変だ。
Growing up is hard.
どこで育ったの？
Where did you grow up?
成長期には十分な栄養が必要だ。
During the growing up period, adequate nutrition is necessary.