成長
seichō[se̞ːt͡ɕo̞ː]
The English phrase "growing up" can be translated into Japanese as 成長 (seichō).
成長 refers to the process of becoming an adult or developing physically and mentally.
Which one should you use?
While 成長 refers to the process of development, the phrase 大人になる is more commonly used to specifically mean 'becoming an adult' or 'growing up' in a social sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 成長 becomes a verb by adding the verb する, resulting in 成長する (to grow or to develop).
How do you pronounce it?
seichō
Did you know?
- To describe a person who has grown up into a 'ripe' or fully mature character, Japanese uses the word 成熟, which is also used for ripening fruit.
- In a social context, the goal of growing up is often described as 自立, which literally means 'standing on one's own'.
- While 成長 is used for human and economic growth, Japanese has a distinct word 生長 used specifically for the biological growth of plants and other organisms.
Examples in context
- 彼女は大人になるにつれて、責任感が芽生えた。As she grew up, a sense of responsibility blossomed in her.
- 私たちは互いに成長しながら、一緒に未来を築いていきます。As we grow together, we will build our future.
- 兄弟姉妹と共に育つことは、互いへの絆を強めます。Growing up with siblings strengthens the bond between each other.
- 子供の成長は早い。Children's growth is fast.
- 子供の成長には栄養が必要です。Kodomo no seichō ni wa eiyō ga hitsuyō desu.Nutrition is necessary for a child's growth.
- 彼は精神的に成長しました。Kare wa seishinteki ni seichō shimashita.He has grown mentally.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are looking at an old photo of Yota.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太くん、本当に成長したね。Youta-kun, hontou ni seichou shita ne.Yota, you have really grown up.
- 陽太 Yota昔はこんなに小さかったんだね。Mukashi wa konna ni chiisakatta n da ne.I was this small a long time ago.
- 美咲 Misaki背がすごく伸びたと思うよ。Se ga sugoku nobita to omou yo.I think you've grown a lot taller.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとう、美咲さん。Arigatou, Misaki-san.Thank you, Misaki.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 成長, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
