Translation guide
The English word 'assimilation' covers several distinct ideas: cultural/social integration, linguistic sound change, and biological absorption. This guide focuses on the most common meanings for English-speaking learners of Japanese.
Describing the process of a minority group or individual adopting the customs, language, and attitudes of the dominant culture.
The standard term for cultural assimilation. Often used in sociological or historical contexts.
移民の同化は複雑なプロセスだ。
The assimilation of immigrants is a complex process.
Literally 'to melt into', used for blending into a society or group naturally. More everyday than 同化.
彼は新しい職場にすぐ溶け込んだ。
He quickly assimilated into the new workplace.
Verb form of 同化. Used in formal or academic writing.
少数民族が多数派に同化するケースが多い。
There are many cases where ethnic minorities assimilate into the majority.
To become familiar with or accustomed to a new environment. Implies a comfortable, gradual adaptation.
彼女は日本の生活にすっかり馴染んだ。
She has completely assimilated into life in Japan.
Referring to a phonological process where a sound becomes similar to an adjacent sound.
The technical term in linguistics for assimilation. Same word as cultural assimilation, but context distinguishes them.
「ん」の前で「た」が「な」に変わるのは同化の例だ。
The change of 'ta' to 'na' before 'n' is an example of assimilation.
Explicitly 'sound assimilation', used when clarity is needed.
音の同化は多くの言語で見られる現象だ。
Sound assimilation is a phenomenon seen in many languages.
The process by which living organisms absorb and incorporate nutrients.
Used in biology for anabolism or assimilation of nutrients. Often part of compound terms like 同化作用 (assimilation process).
植物は光合成によって炭素を同化する。
Plants assimilate carbon through photosynthesis.
Specifically 'nutrient assimilation'.
栄養の同化がうまくいかないと成長が遅れる。
If nutrient assimilation doesn't work well, growth is delayed.
While 同化 is the direct translation, it sounds technical. For casual situations like fitting into a group, use 溶け込む or 馴染む.
彼はすぐにクラスに溶け込んだ。
He quickly assimilated into the class.