Translation guide
The English phrase "growth period" can refer to a phase of physical development, economic expansion, or a formative stage in a process. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on the context—whether it's about a child's growth spurt, a company's expansion phase, or a plant's growing season.
A phase of rapid physical development, especially in children or adolescents.
The most common and general term for a growth period in living things. Used for children, animals, and even plants.
Children need a lot of nutrition during their growth period.
Literally 'at the height of growing', this is a colloquial term often used for children who are growing rapidly. It emphasizes the active, noticeable phase of growth.
A more clinical term focusing on development and growth, often used in medical or educational contexts.
A phase of expansion in an economy, industry, or company.
The season or phase when plants actively grow.
Specifically for plants and crops, referring to the growing season. Common in agriculture and gardening.
A crucial phase for acquiring skills, character, or knowledge.
A flexible phrase meaning 'a time of growth', suitable for personal, emotional, or intellectual development.
成長期 is the broadest term and can be used for humans, animals, economies, and plants. 生育期 is limited to plants and crops. In agricultural contexts, 生育期 is more precise, but 成長期 is also understood.
The growth period of this plant is from spring to summer.
Proper exercise is important for a dog in its growth period.
My child is in a growth spurt right now, so clothes get too small quickly.
Nutritional deficiencies during the developmental period have long-term effects on health.
The same word as for physical growth, but used metaphorically for economic or business contexts. Very common.
This company is currently in a growth period.
During an economic growth period, employment increases.
Literally 'expansion period', this emphasizes the broadening or scaling up of business activities. Often used in business reports.
Our company is currently in an expansion period into overseas markets.
Focuses on development and progress, often used for industries or regions undergoing transformation.
That industry is now entering a development period.
Rice plants need plenty of water during their growth period.
Also used for plants, but more general. Can be used interchangeably with 生育期 in many contexts.
Sunlight is important during the tomato growth period.
Studying abroad was a major growth period for me.
Literally 'formation period', used for the formative years of personality, values, or identity. More abstract.
It is said that the formative period of personality is early childhood.
The direct translation '成長期間' (せいちょうきかん) is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Stick to 成長期 or context-specific terms.