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.
Describing when a concept, practice, or system becomes established and accepted in a society or group.
Describing when a person becomes established in a new place or community.
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.
新しい技術が定着するには時間がかかる。
It takes time for new technology to take root.
その思想は徐々に浸透していった。
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.
The most common and natural way to say a plant takes root. It implies the plant has successfully established itself in the soil.
挿し木が根付いた。
The cutting took root.
この花は庭に根付きやすい。
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.
木がしっかりと根を張っている。
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.
苗が活着した。
The seedling took root.
The same verb as for plants, but used figuratively. It is the most natural choice for ideas, customs, or foreign concepts becoming established.
民主主義がその国に根付くまでには時間がかかった。
It took time for democracy to take root in that country.
新しい習慣が地域に根付いた。
The new custom took root in the region.
Means 'to become established' or 'to take hold'. Often used for new words, technologies, or cultural elements becoming fixed in society.
その言葉は日常会話に定着した。
That word has taken root in everyday conversation.
リモートワークが社会に定着しつつある。
Remote work is gradually taking root in society.
Means 'to permeate' or 'to spread through'. Used when an idea or influence gradually spreads and becomes accepted.
その考え方は若者の間に浸透した。
That way of thinking took root among young people.
Literally 'to put down roots'. The most natural expression for a person settling down in a new place and making it their home.
彼はこの町に根を下ろした。
He has taken root in this town.
なかなか新しい土地に根を下ろせない。
I just can't seem to take root in a new place.
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.
彼は地域にすっかり根付いている。
He has completely taken root in the community.