Translation guide
The English verb 'thrive' means to grow, develop, or be successful, especially in a healthy or vigorous way. It can refer to people, plants, businesses, or communities. Japanese has several expressions depending on what is thriving and in what sense.
Describing healthy, strong growth of living things.
Literally 'grow well'. A natural, general way to say a plant, child, or animal is thriving.
This plant thrives in a sunny spot.
The children are thriving in the countryside, growing up freely.
An onomatopoeic expression for growing quickly and healthily, often used for children or plants.
I'm happy that the baby is thriving.
Means 'to grow thickly/luxuriantly', used for plants. Somewhat formal or written.
Weeds are thriving in the garden.
Describing success, prosperity, or flourishing in a non-biological sense.
The standard word for 'prosper' or 'flourish', used for businesses, economies, civilizations.
This town is thriving on tourism.
Innovation is necessary for a company to thrive.
Simply 'to succeed'. Often used for individuals or specific ventures.
Similar to 繁栄する but slightly more literary or historical. Often used for cities, families, or cultures.
Describes a thriving state of business or events, meaning 'prosperous' or 'bustling'. Often used for shops, markets, or events.
The new cafe is thriving every day.
Expressing that someone or something thrives under specific circumstances.
A flexible pattern meaning 'to do well in/at ~'. The part before で indicates the environment or situation.
She thrives under pressure.
He is thriving in a tough environment.
Means 'suited to ~' or 'thrives in ~'. Used to describe a natural fit.
Means 'to be active/successful' in a field. Often used for people thriving in their careers or roles.
Expressing that someone thrives on a specific stimulus, like challenge or attention.
Literally 'to make ~ one's sustenance'. A common metaphor for thriving on something, especially challenges or criticism.
He thrives on criticism.
Means '~ is one's reason for living/passion'. Used when someone thrives on a particular activity or purpose.
A casual way to say someone needs something to thrive. Literally 'no good without ~'.
He thrives on excitement.
Both mean 'to prosper/thrive'. 繁栄する is more common in modern business and economic contexts. 栄える is slightly more literary and often used for historical or cultural flourishing. In everyday speech, 繁栄する is safer.
This region is thriving on industry.
This town thrived in the Edo period.
English 'thrive on' (e.g., thrive on stress) does not translate directly. Use patterns like 〜を糧にする or rephrase with 〜でうまくやる. A literal translation like 〜の上で繁栄する is unnatural.
She thrives on stress.
He is thriving in his new job.
かつてこの港町は貿易で栄えていた。
This port town once thrived on trade.
This plant thrives in dry climates.
She is thriving on the international stage.
She thrives on her work.