Translation guide
The process of becoming a citizen of a country, or the legal act of granting citizenship to a foreigner. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 帰化 (kika), but related verbs and phrases are used depending on context.
To refer to the legal process of a foreigner becoming a citizen of a country.
The standard noun for naturalization. Used in legal and everyday contexts.
He naturalized in Japan.
The naturalization application process is complicated.
The verb form meaning 'to naturalize' or 'to become a citizen through naturalization.'
She plans to naturalize in the United States.
Literally 'to acquire nationality.' A more general phrase that can include naturalization but also other ways of gaining citizenship.
He acquired Japanese nationality.
Literally 'to obtain citizenship.' Used more in contexts emphasizing rights and membership in a nation, often in translations or discussions of Western concepts.
Immigrants must go through a long process to obtain citizenship.
To refer to the act of a government granting citizenship to a foreigner.
To refer to the adoption of foreign words, customs, or ideas into a new culture.
Can also be used metaphorically for the naturalization of loanwords or customs, but this usage is less common and often technical.
The naturalization of loanwords takes time.
Means 'to become established' or 'to take root.' More natural for describing how foreign words or customs become accepted.
Means 'to assimilate.' Used when something foreign blends into the native culture.
While 帰化 specifically refers to naturalization (a foreigner becoming a citizen through legal process), 国籍取得 is a broader term that includes naturalization but also other ways of acquiring nationality, such as by birth or marriage. Use 帰化 when the process is specifically naturalization.
The country naturalized many immigrants.
That word has become completely naturalized in Japanese.
The custom became assimilated into Japanese culture.