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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

老いる

おいる (oiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus

Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference

When translating "grow" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 募る and 老いる. 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, 老いる (おいる (oiru)) maps to "to grow old, to age" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the process of aging for living beings. Often implies the natural progression of life and physical changes.. 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 "老いる"
人間は誰でもやがて老いる運命にある。
It is the fate of all humans to eventually grow old.

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.". "老いる" represents "to grow old, to age".