Translation guide
The English word 'multiplying' can refer to mathematical multiplication, rapid increase in number, or breeding/propagation. This guide helps learners express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
Expressing the arithmetic operation of multiplication.
The standard noun for multiplication. Used in math contexts.
Memorize the multiplication tables.
Formal/technical term for multiplication, often in computing or math.
This program processes multiplication at high speed.
Verb phrase meaning 'to multiply by'. Use with numbers.
If you multiply 3 by 4, you get 12.
Multiply 2 and 5.
Describing something that is growing or multiplying quickly, like cells, problems, or objects.
General verb for 'increase' in number. Natural for most contexts.
The cells are multiplying rapidly.
Problems keep multiplying.
Specifically for proliferation, like cells, bacteria, or organisms. More technical.
Bacteria multiply.
For breeding or propagation of animals/plants. Implies reproduction.
Rabbits multiply quickly.
Means 'to double' or 'multiply several times'. Used for dramatic increases.
Profits multiplied.
Transitive sense: making something multiply, like breeding animals or spreading something.
Transitive verb for 'increase'. Use when someone causes the increase.
He multiplied his wealth.
Causative of 繁殖する: to breed or propagate animals/plants.
They are multiplying their cattle.
Causative of 増殖する: to cause proliferation, often in scientific contexts.
The scientist multiplied the cells.
While 掛ける means 'multiply' in math, using it for 'problems multiplying' or 'cells multiplying' sounds unnatural. Use 増える or 増殖する instead.
Problems are multiplying. (unnatural)
増える is the general 'increase'. 増殖する is for proliferation (cells, bacteria). 繁殖する is for breeding/reproduction (animals, plants). Choose based on what is multiplying.