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.
子供は成長期にたくさんの栄養が必要です。
Children need a lot of nutrition during their growth period.
成長期の犬には適切な運動が大切です。
Proper exercise is important for a dog in its 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.
うちの子は今、伸び盛りで服がすぐ小さくなります。
My child is in a growth spurt right now, so clothes get too small quickly.
A more clinical term focusing on development and growth, often used in medical or educational contexts.
発育期の栄養不足は健康に長期的な影響を与えます。
Nutritional deficiencies during the developmental period have long-term effects on health.
A phase of expansion in an economy, industry, or company.
The same word as for physical growth, but used metaphorically for economic or business contexts. Very common.
この会社は今、成長期にあります。
This company is currently in a growth period.
経済の成長期には雇用が増加します。
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.
当社は現在、海外市場への拡大期にあります。
Our company is currently in an expansion period into overseas markets.
Focuses on development and progress, often used for industries or regions undergoing transformation.
その産業は今、発展期を迎えています。
That industry is now entering a development period.
The season or phase when plants actively grow.
Specifically for plants and crops, referring to the growing season. Common in agriculture and gardening.
稲の生育期には十分な水が必要です。
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.
トマトの成長期には日光が重要です。
Sunlight is important during the tomato growth period.
A crucial phase for acquiring skills, character, or knowledge.
A flexible phrase meaning 'a time of growth', suitable for personal, emotional, or intellectual development.
留学は私にとって大きな成長の時期でした。
Studying abroad was a major growth period for me.
Literally 'formation period', used for the formative years of personality, values, or identity. More abstract.
人格の形成期は幼少期だと言われています。
It is said that the formative period of personality is early childhood.
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.
この植物の生育期は春から夏です。
The growth period of this plant is from spring to summer.
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.