Translation guide
The state of being successful, thriving, or doing well, especially financially or in business. This guide helps you express the idea of prospering naturally in Japanese.
To describe a business, industry, or economy that is doing very well and growing.
The most direct equivalent for 'prosper' in the sense of flourishing or thriving, often used for businesses, cities, or societies.
その会社は繁栄している。
That company is prospering.
Similar to 繁栄する but slightly more literary or formal. Often used for cities, cultures, or dynasties.
この町はかつて栄えていた。
This town once prospered.
Means 'to become prosperous/flourishing'. Often used for activities, industries, or trends.
この地域では農業が盛んになった。
Agriculture prospered in this region.
To describe a person or family who has become wealthy and successful.
General term for 'to succeed'. When context implies financial success, it can mean 'prosper'.
彼はビジネスで成功した。
He prospered in business.
Specifically means 'to become wealthy/affluent'. Focuses on the financial aspect of prospering.
彼らは裕福になった。
They prospered (became wealthy).
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to be prosperous/influential', often implying a flashy lifestyle. Slightly informal.
彼は最近羽振りがいいね。
He's been prospering lately, hasn't he?
To describe a person, community, or living thing that is thriving in a broader sense, not just financially.
Can be used for general flourishing, such as a family line or a culture.
子孫が栄えるように願う。
I wish for my descendants to prosper.
Also works for general prosperity, but often has a grander or more formal nuance.
国が繁栄することを祈る。
I pray that the nation prospers.
Both mean 'to prosper/flourish'. 繁栄する is more common in modern business and economic contexts, while 栄える can sound slightly more literary or historical. 栄える is often used for cities, cultures, and family lines.
English often uses 'prospering' as an adjective (e.g., 'a prospering business'). In Japanese, it's more natural to use the verb form (繁栄している) or a noun phrase (繁栄している会社).