Translation and Meaning of: 成長 - seichou

The Japanese word 成長[せいちょう] is a term that carries a deep meaning and is widely used in everyday life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the culture of the country, understanding what this word represents can open doors to a richer comprehension of the Japanese mindset. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, usage in sentences, and even how it is perceived in Japanese society.

Additionally, we will see how 成長[せいちょう] is connected to important cultural values, such as personal and professional development. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese view growth, whether in children, companies, or even in personal skills, this text will provide valuable insights. Stay tuned to discover everything about this fascinating word.

Meaning and usage of 成長[せいちょう]

成長[せいちょう] can be translated as "growth" or "development." It is used to describe both physical growth, such as that of a plant or a child, as well as progress in skills, knowledge, or even in business. For example, when a Japanese person says that a company is in 成長中[せいちょうちゅう], it means that it is in a phase of expansion.

The term also frequently appears in educational and professional contexts. Teachers may praise a student's 成長[せいちょう] upon noticing improvements in their performance. Similarly, in corporate environments, the growth of the team or company is often discussed using this word. Its versatility makes it essential for anyone who wants to communicate naturally in Japanese.

Origin and composition of kanjis

The word 成長[せいちょう] is composed of two kanji: 成 (sei), which means "to conclude" or "to become," and 長 (chou), which represents "long" or "chief." Together, they form the idea of a process that completes itself over time, whether in physical, intellectual, or organizational terms. This combination well reflects the Japanese concept of growth as something continuous and gradual.

It is worth noting that 成長[せいちょう] is not an ancient or rare word. It is present in modern Japanese and is widely used in different contexts, from informal conversations to formal speeches. Its frequent use makes it one of the most important words for those who wish to master the language at an intermediate or advanced level.

Growth in Japanese culture

In Japan, the concept of 成長[せいちょう] goes beyond its literal meaning. It is deeply connected to the philosophy of continuous improvement, known as "kaizen." Many companies and schools encourage their employees and students to always seek growth, whether by learning new skills or enhancing those they already possess. This mindset is a fundamental part of Japanese culture.

Additionally, 成長[せいちょう] is often associated with values such as perseverance and effort. In animes and dramas, for example, it is common to see characters going through moments of significant personal development, highlighting the importance of individual growth. If you want to understand how the Japanese perceive evolution in different aspects of life, this word is an excellent starting point.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 発展 (Hatten) - Development, progress, or expansion in a specific field.
• 増大 (Zoudai) - Increase in quantity or size, often related to greater volume or intensity.
• 伸長 (Shinchou) - Stretching or extension, usually referring to an increase in length or reach.
• 育成 (Ikusei) - Creation and nurturing of something, especially in the context of educational development or skills.
• 拡大 (Kakudai) - Expansion or increase in dimension, focusing on the enlargement of space or scope.

成長

Romaji: seichou
Kana: せいちょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: growth; grow to adulthood

Meaning in English: growth;grow to adulthood

Definition: To gain strength and grow.

Example Sentences - (成長) seichou

See below some example sentences:

養分は植物の成長に必要な栄養素です。

Yōbun wa shokubutsu no seichō ni hitsuyōna eiyōso desu

Nutrition is a necessary nutrient for plant growth.

• 養分 (Younbun) - nutriente
• は (wa) - marcador de tópico
• 植物 (shokubutsu) - planta
• の (no) - possessive particle
• 成長 (seichou) - growth
• に (ni) - indicando o propósito ou objetivo de uma ação
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - necessário
• な (na) - adjetivo auxiliar
• 栄養素 (eiyousou) - nutriente
• です (desu) - copula

段階を踏んで成長する。

Dankai wo funde seichou suru

Grow step by step in stages.

Grow in step.

• 段階 (dan-kai) - stages, phases
• を (wo) - object particle
• 踏んで (funde) - step, walk over
• 成長する (seichou suru) - grow, develop

彼女の成長を妨げることはできない。

Kanojo no seichou wo samatageru koto wa dekinai

It cannot stop its growth.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 成長 (seichou) - Growth
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 妨げる (samatageru) - impedir
• こと (koto) - abstract noun
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• できない (dekinai) - cannot be done

新興国の経済成長は驚くべきものです。

Shinkōkoku no keizai seichō wa odoroku beki mono desu

The economic growth of emerging countries is surprising.

• 新興国 - developing country
• の - Possession particle
• 経済成長 - Crescimento econômico
• は - Topic particle
• 驚くべき - surprising
• もの - thing
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

私たちは常に成長し続けなければなりません。

Watashitachi wa tsuneni seichō shitsuzukena nakereba narimasen

We must always continue to grow.

We must always grow.

• 私たちは - Personal pronoun "we"
• 常に - adverb "always"
• 成長 - noun "growth"
• し - particle indicating continuation of action
• 続け - "to continue"
• なければなりません - expression that indicates obligation or necessity

苦しむことが成長するためのチャンスだ。

Kurushimu koto ga seichou suru tame no chansu da

Suffering is an opportunity to grow.

Suffering is a chance to grow.

• 苦しむこと - suffering
• が - connecting particle
• 成長する - grow, develop
• ための - for
• チャンス - opportunity
• だ - Verb to be/estar

逆境に立ち向かうことが人生の成長につながる。

Gyakkyou ni tachimukau koto ga jinsei no seichou ni tsunagaru

Facing adversity leads to growth in life.

Confident adversities lead to the growth of life.

• 逆境 (gyakkyou) - adversity
• に (ni) - particle indicating destination or location
• 立ち向かう (tachimukau) - confront, resist
• こと (koto) - abstract noun, indicating action or event
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 人生 (jinsei) - life
• の (no) - partítulo indicando posse ou relação
• 成長 (seichou) - growth, development
• につながる (ni tsunagaru) - lead to, result in