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.
掛け算の九九を覚える。
Memorize the multiplication tables.
Formal/technical term for multiplication, often in computing or math.
このプログラムは乗算を高速に処理する。
This program processes multiplication at high speed.
Verb phrase meaning 'to multiply by'. Use with numbers.
3に4を掛けると12になる。
If you multiply 3 by 4, you get 12.
2と5を掛ける。
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.
細胞が急速に増えている。
The cells are multiplying rapidly.
問題がどんどん増える。
Problems keep multiplying.
Specifically for proliferation, like cells, bacteria, or organisms. More technical.
細菌が増殖する。
Bacteria multiply.
For breeding or propagation of animals/plants. Implies reproduction.
ウサギは繁殖するのが早い。
Rabbits multiply quickly.
Means 'to double' or 'multiply several times'. Used for dramatic increases.
利益が倍増した。
Profits multiplied.
Transitive sense: making something multiply, like breeding animals or spreading something.
Transitive verb for 'increase'. Use when someone causes the increase.
彼は財産を増やした。
He multiplied his wealth.
Causative of 繁殖する: to breed or propagate animals/plants.
彼らは牛を繁殖させている。
They are multiplying their cattle.
Causative of 増殖する: to cause proliferation, often in scientific contexts.
科学者が細胞を増殖させた。
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.
問題が掛け算している。
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.