Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Grow" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "grow", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
育つ
そだつ (sodatsu)
N4 / 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 育つ and そだつ.
In Japanese, 育つ (そだつ (sodatsu)) is typically associated with "to grow up, to be raised" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Intransitive verb. Used for living things.
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 "育つ"
私はこの町で育ちました。
I grew up in this town.
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: "私はこの町で育ちました。" (Meaning: "I grew up in this town.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "育つ" fits here because it means "to grow up, to be raised" in the context of: "I grew up in this town.". "そだつ" represents "to grow (up), to be raised".