Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Development" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "development", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
開発
かいはつ (kaihatsu)
N3 / 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 開発 and 展開.
In Japanese, 開発 (かいはつ (kaihatsu)) is typically associated with "development; exploitation" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to developing new technologies, products, software, or land resources. Can be used with する as a 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 "開発"
新しいソフトウェアの開発に成功しました。
We succeeded in the development of new software.
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: "新しいソフトウェアの ＿＿＿ に成功しました。" (Meaning: "We succeeded in the development of new software.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "開発" fits here because it means "development; exploitation" in the context of: "We succeeded in the development of new software.". "展開" represents "development, evolution, expansion, unfolding, progress".