進化
shinka[ɕĩŋka̠]
Evolution in Japanese is 進化 (shinka).
進化 refers to the general concept of a gradual process of development. To use the word as a verb meaning 'to evolve', you can add the verb する (suru) to the noun to form 進化する.
Meaning: general: a gradual process of development (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 進, which means progress or advance and 化, which means to change or become.
How do you pronounce it?
shinka
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture, particularly in series like Pokémon, 進化 is used to describe a sudden, magical transformation into a new form rather than a gradual biological process.
- In modern Japanese slang, 進化 is sometimes used to describe a person who has significantly improved their fashion or social skills, similar to the English 'glow up'.
- The character 化 in 進化 is the same character used in the word for 'chemistry', which is 化学. This emphasizes the concept of a fundamental change or transformation in state.
Examples in context
- 絶滅は進化の一部である。Extinction is part of evolution.This sentence shows how to use 進化 when discussing extinction.Tatoeba #141928 by small_snow, translation #272642 by Luornu
- トムは進化論を信じていない。Tom doesn't believe in evolution.This sentence uses 進化 in the context of someone's beliefs regarding evolution.Tatoeba #2481332 by tommy_san, translation #2481724 by CK
- ダーウィンの進化論は学びましたか。Have you studied Darwin's theory of evolution?This sentence shows how to use 進化 when referring to the theory of evolution.Tatoeba #204009 by bunbuku, translation #41251 by CK
- 科学の進化は私たちの理解を広げます。The evolution of science expands our understanding.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new video game together.
- 大翔 Hirotoこのゲームのキャラクターの進化がすごいね。Kono gēmu no kyarakutā no shinka ga sugoi ne.The evolution of the characters in this game is amazing.
- 陽葵 Himari本当だね。見た目がどんどん変わっていくよ。Hontō da ne. Mitame ga dondon kawatte iku yo.You're right. Their appearance keeps changing.
- 大翔 Hiroto進化させるには時間がかかるのかな。Shinka saseru ni wa jikan ga kakaru no kana.I wonder if it takes a long time to make them evolve.
- 陽葵 Himari練習をたくさんすれば大丈夫だと思うよ。Renshū o takusan sureba daijōbu da to omou yo.I think it'll be fine if you practice a lot.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 進化, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
