Translation guide
The English word "mature" covers a wide range of meanings, from describing fully grown living things to developed personalities, well-considered ideas, and even financial products. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese expressions for each core meaning, helping you choose the right word for the context.
Describing animals, plants, or people that have reached full physical development.
The most common and versatile adjective meaning 'mature' or 'fully developed'. Used for organisms, fruits, and sometimes metaphorically for societies or technologies.
Mature fruit has a sweet fragrance.
He is a mature adult.
Specifically refers to the adult form of an animal, often used in biology.
Mature frogs eat insects.
A more literal phrase meaning 'fully grown'. Can be used for plants, animals, or people.
A fully mature tree exceeds 20 meters in height.
Describing a person who is responsible, sensible, and behaves like an adult.
Describes someone who seems mature for their age, often used for children or young people. Has a nuance of 'adult-like'.
She is mature for her age.
Means 'to have discretion' or 'to be sensible'. Emphasizes good judgment and responsibility.
A more formal or explicit way to say 'emotionally mature'.
Implies a mellow, well-rounded maturity that comes with age and experience. Often used for artists or personalities.
Describing something that shows careful thought, thorough development, or refinement.
Means 'carefully thought out'. Used for plans, opinions, or decisions.
After mature consideration, he decided to change jobs.
Can also be used metaphorically for ideas, markets, or technologies that are fully developed.
Used for artistic works or skills that show refined maturity.
Describing the process of reaching maturity, either physically or mentally.
The verb 'to mature'. Covers physical, mental, and metaphorical maturation.
Children mature through experience.
Literally 'to become an adult'. Often used for the transition from childhood to adulthood.
He matured after entering university.
Means 'to grow up' or 'to develop'. Can imply physical or personal growth.
She matured a lot while studying abroad.
Describing media or content intended for adults due to explicit themes.
Standard term for 'adult-oriented' or 'mature audiences'. Used for movies, games, etc.
This movie contains mature content.
Borrowed from English 'R-rated'. Commonly used in Japan for movies with mature themes.
R-rated movies cannot be seen by those under 18.
Describing food or drink that has been aged to develop flavor.
Describing a financial instrument that has reached its maturity date.
The English word 'mature' covers many distinct concepts. Using a single Japanese word like 成熟した for all meanings can sound unnatural. Always consider the specific context: physical growth, personality, ideas, food, or finance.
大人 (おとな) means 'adult' and often implies legal age or social status. 成熟 (せいじゅく) refers to the state of being fully developed, which can be physical, mental, or metaphorical. For personality, 大人っぽい is more about seeming mature, while 分別がある emphasizes good judgment.
He is mature, so it's safe to leave it to him.
Emotionally mature people can control their feelings.
His mature performance captivated the audience.
In a mature market, new entry is difficult.
This novel shows the writer's mature style.
When the bond matures, the principal is returned.