🦅 Project Eagle
Synonym Nuance VS

How to say "Development" in Japanese

Both words can translate to "development", but which should you choose?

Japanese Option A

発達

はったつ (hattatsu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B

展開

てんかい (tenkai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "development" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 発達 and 展開. In Japanese, 発達 (はったつ (hattatsu)) is typically associated with "development, growth" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to the development or growth of something, often abstract like technology, economy, society, or an individual's abilities. Can be used as a noun or as a する-verb. On the other hand, 展開 (てんかい (tenkai)) maps to "development, evolution, expansion, unfolding, progress" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the unfolding or progression of events, a story, a situation, or a business. It can also mean to spread out or expand something.. A literal translation of "development" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "発達"
この技術は急速に発達しました。
This technology developed rapidly.
Bilingual Context for "展開"
物語の展開が速い。
The development of the story is fast.

Nuance Mastery Quiz

Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?

Fill in the blank: "この技術は急速に ___ しました。" (Meaning: "This technology developed rapidly.")
🎉 Correct Answer!

Remember: "発達" fits here because it means "development, growth" in the context of: "This technology developed rapidly.". "展開" represents "development, evolution, expansion, unfolding, progress".