Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Grow" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "grow", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
冷える
ひえる (hieru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
そだつ
そだつ (sodatsu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "grow" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 冷える and そだつ.
In Japanese, 冷える (ひえる (hieru)) is typically associated with "to grow cold, to get chilly (intransitive)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Intransitive verb. Describes a place, body part, or object becoming cold. Often used for natural cooling or feeling chilly. The transitive form is 冷やす.
On the other hand, そだつ (そだつ (sodatsu)) maps to "to grow (up), to be raised" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Intransitive verb. Used for plants, animals, or people growing and developing. The transitive form is 育てる. A literal translation of "grow" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "冷える"
冬は足が冷えるので、厚い靴下を履きます。
My feet get cold in winter, so I wear thick socks.
Bilingual Context for "そだつ"
この木は、日当たりの良い場所で大きく育った。
This tree grew large in a sunny spot.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "冬は足が ＿＿＿ ので、厚い靴下を履きます。" (Meaning: "My feet get cold in winter, so I wear thick socks.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "冷える" fits here because it means "to grow cold, to get chilly (intransitive)" in the context of: "My feet get cold in winter, so I wear thick socks.". "そだつ" represents "to grow (up), to be raised".