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.
この植物は日当たりの良い場所でよく育つ。
This plant thrives in a sunny spot.
子供たちは田舎でのびのびとよく育っている。
The children are thriving in the countryside, growing up freely.
An onomatopoeic expression for growing quickly and healthily, often used for children or plants.
赤ちゃんがすくすく育って嬉しい。
I'm happy that the baby is thriving.
Means 'to grow thickly/luxuriantly', used for plants. Somewhat formal or written.
雑草が庭に繁茂している。
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.
この町は観光で繁栄している。
This town is thriving on tourism.
会社が繁栄するためには革新が必要だ。
Innovation is necessary for a company to thrive.
Simply 'to succeed'. Often used for individuals or specific ventures.
彼は新しい仕事で成功している。
He is thriving in his new job.
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.
新しいカフェは連日盛況だ。
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.
彼女はプレッシャーの中でうまくやるタイプだ。
She thrives under pressure.
彼は厳しい環境でうまくやっている。
He is thriving in a tough environment.
Means 'suited to ~' or 'thrives in ~'. Used to describe a natural fit.
この植物は乾燥した気候に向いている。
This plant thrives in dry climates.
Means 'to be active/successful' in a field. Often used for people thriving in their careers or roles.
彼女は国際的な舞台で活躍している。
She is thriving on the international stage.
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.
彼は批判を糧にして成長する。
He thrives on criticism.
Means '~ is one's reason for living/passion'. Used when someone thrives on a particular activity or purpose.
彼女にとって仕事が生きがいだ。
She thrives on her work.
A casual way to say someone needs something to thrive. Literally 'no good without ~'.
彼は刺激がないとダメなんだ。
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.
この地域は工業で繁栄している。
This region is thriving on industry.
江戸時代にこの町は栄えた。
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.
彼女はストレスを糧にしている。
She thrives on stress.
かつてこの港町は貿易で栄えていた。
This port town once thrived on trade.