Translation guide
The English word 'rising' can describe upward movement, increase, or emergence. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these meanings, organized by context.
Describing something physically moving or extending upward, such as smoke, a balloon, or the sun.
General intransitive verb for something rising or going up. Used for objects, prices, status, etc.
Smoke is rising into the sky.
The temperature rose.
Specifically for rising to a high place, like the sun, moon, or climbing a mountain. Implies upward movement toward a peak.
The sun rises in the east.
Used for smoke, steam, or mist rising and spreading upward. Often has a literary or descriptive feel.
Steam is rising.
To rise to the surface or emerge upward, like a balloon or a feeling. Emphasizes floating up.
The balloon rose into the sky.
Describing numbers, prices, rates, or intensity going up.
General verb for increase. Works for prices, temperature, volume, etc.
Prices are rising.
Formal or technical term for a rise in numbers, rates, or levels. Common in news and reports.
The unemployment rate rose.
To increase in number or quantity. More about count than level.
For intangible things like tension, interest, or awareness rising. Intransitive.
Describing something coming into existence, becoming known, or gaining power.
For a person, group, or power rising to prominence. Often used in political or social contexts.
A new leader rose to power.
To surface or emerge as a topic, candidate, or issue. Literally 'to float up'.
A new problem has arisen (risen).
To appear or emerge. Can be used for rising stars or new trends.
Physically getting up or standing up.
Advancing in position, career, or social standing.
Describing bread, cake, or dough expanding during baking or proofing.
上がる is the most general 'rise'. 昇る is for climbing or celestial bodies. 上る (same reading のぼる) is for going up stairs, slopes, or rivers, and is less about 'rising' as a phenomenon.
Go up the stairs.
To rise from bed or a chair, use 起きる (get up) or 立ち上がる (stand up). 上がる does not mean 'to get up' from a lying/sitting position.
The population is rising.
期待が高まっている。
Expectations are rising.
New talent has emerged (risen).
He fell but quickly rose again.