Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Grow" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "grow", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
募る
つのる (tsunoru)
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 募る and そだつ.
In Japanese, 募る (つのる (tsunoru)) is typically associated with "to grow stronger; to get worse; to recruit; to solicit" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Often used to describe feelings or situations intensifying.
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 "募る"
彼は故郷への思いが日に日に募っていった。
His longing for his hometown grew stronger day by day.
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: "彼は故郷への思いが日に日に募っていった。" (Meaning: "His longing for his hometown grew stronger day by day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "募る" fits here because it means "to grow stronger; to get worse; to recruit; to solicit" in the context of: "His longing for his hometown grew stronger day by day.". "そだつ" represents "to grow (up), to be raised".