成長
seichō[se̞ːt͡ɕo̞ː]
In Japanese, 'growth' is expressed as 成長 (seichō). Wiktionary also lists 生長 (seichō).
Meaning: increase in size (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 成長 | seichō | [se̞ːt͡ɕo̞ː] (narrow) |
| 生長 | seichō | [se̞ːt͡ɕo̞ː] (narrow) |
成長 is a general and versatile word for growth. It is the standard term used when discussing the growth of people, the development of skills or abstract concepts like the growth of an economy.
Which one should you use?
While 成長 is the standard term for humans, skills and abstract concepts, 生長 is a specialized term used specifically for the biological or botanical growth of plants or living organisms.
How do you pronounce it?
seichō
Did you know?
- The kanji for 'growth' in 成長, the character 成, also means 'to become' or 'to achieve', linking the idea of growing with the idea of completing a task.
- In anime and manga, the phrase 成長物語 ('growth story') is a common trope used to describe a 'coming-of-age' plot where a protagonist matures emotionally.
- Japanese has a specific term 急成長 ('rapid growth') that is used not only for economics and plants but also to describe a sudden surge in a person's popularity or fame.
Examples in context
- その少年は植物の成長を観察した。The boy observed the growth of the plant.This sentence shows how to use 成長 when referring to the growth of a plant.Tatoeba #209071 by KK_kaku_, translation #46332 by CM
- その街の急成長ぶりには驚かされた。The rapid growth of the city surprised us.This sentence demonstrates the use of 成長 regarding the rapid growth of a city.Tatoeba #11209504 by bunbuku, translation #44814 by CM
- エラーメッセージを正しく理解することは成長の鍵だ。Understanding error messages correctly is the key to growth.This sentence illustrates using 成長 in the context of personal or skill-based growth.Tatoeba #13146663 by Gardenia, translation #13743927 by Danberry
- 彼は成長し続けているHe continues to grow.
- 会員数の増加が見られるAn increase in the number of members can be observed.
- 日本は経済的に発展していますJapan is economically developing.
- 友達と一緒に成長するTo grow together with friends.
- 彼のスキルが伸びるHis skills are improving.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are talking about a puppy.
- 結衣 Yuiこの子、成長が早すぎるね。Kono ko, seichou ga hayasugiru ne.This little one is growing too fast.
- 陽太 Yota本当だね。もう大きくなったよ。Hontou da ne. Mou ookiku natta yo.You're right. He's already gotten big.
- 結衣 Yui成長の記録を写真に残そう。Seichou no kiroku o shashin ni nokosou.Let's keep a record of his growth in photos.
- 陽太 Yotaいい考えだね。たくさん撮ろう。Ii kangae da ne. Takusan torou.That's a great idea. Let's take many.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “growth” translations and entries 成長, 生長, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
