Translation guide
How to express the idea of 'taking root' in Japanese, covering both literal plant rooting and figurative establishment of ideas, customs, or people.
Describing when a plant or cutting develops roots and begins to grow.
The most common and natural way to say a plant takes root. It implies the plant has successfully established itself in the soil.
The cutting took root.
This flower takes root easily in the garden.
Literally 'to spread roots'. Emphasizes the physical spreading of roots in the soil, often for larger plants or trees.
The tree has firmly taken root.
A technical term used in horticulture or agriculture for a plant or graft taking root and beginning to grow.
The seedling took root.
Describing when a concept, practice, or system becomes established and accepted in a society or group.
The same verb as for plants, but used figuratively. It is the most natural choice for ideas, customs, or foreign concepts becoming established.
It took time for democracy to take root in that country.
Means 'to become established' or 'to take hold'. Often used for new words, technologies, or cultural elements becoming fixed in society.
Means 'to permeate' or 'to spread through'. Used when an idea or influence gradually spreads and becomes accepted.
Describing when a person becomes established in a new place or community.
Literally 'to put down roots'. The most natural expression for a person settling down in a new place and making it their home.
He has taken root in this town.
Can also be used for people, though slightly less common than 根を下ろす for the act of settling. It emphasizes the state of being established.
根付く (nedzuku) is the most versatile and can be used for plants, people, and abstract concepts. 定着する (teichaku suru) is more formal and often used for things becoming standard or fixed, like new words or technologies. 浸透する (shintō suru) emphasizes gradual permeation, often of ideas or influences.
It takes time for new technology to take root.
The ideology gradually took root.
Do not translate 'take root' word-for-word as 根を取る (ne o toru). This is not natural Japanese. Use the expressions provided.
新しい習慣が地域に根付いた。
The new custom took root in the region.
That word has taken root in everyday conversation.
Remote work is gradually taking root in society.
That way of thinking took root among young people.
I just can't seem to take root in a new place.
彼は地域にすっかり根付いている。
He has completely taken root in the community.