Translation guide
To produce results, succeed, or yield a positive outcome after effort or time. This can be literal (plants producing fruit) or figurative (efforts leading to success).
彼の努力が実を結んだ。
His efforts bore fruit.
To express that hard work, plans, or investments finally produce a successful outcome.
The most direct and common equivalent. Used for both literal and figurative contexts. Neutral formality.
彼の努力が実を結んだ。
His efforts bore fruit.
長年の研究がついに実を結びました。
Years of research finally bore fruit.
Literally 'to raise results'. Common in business or formal contexts to mean achieving tangible outcomes.
新しい戦略が成果を上げ始めた。
The new strategy is starting to bear fruit.
A single verb meaning 'to ripen' or 'to bear fruit'. Often used figuratively for efforts coming to fruition. Slightly more literary.
彼の夢が実った。
His dream bore fruit.
Formal, often written. Literally 'to bear fruit'. Used in reports or formal speeches.
プロジェクトが結実した。
The project bore fruit.
To describe a plant or tree producing actual fruit.
The most common way to say a plant bears fruit. Neutral.
この木は毎年たくさん実をつける。
This tree bears a lot of fruit every year.
Also used literally, though more common figuratively. Acceptable for plants.
庭の柿の木が実を結んだ。
The persimmon tree in the garden bore fruit.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to ripen' or 'to bear fruit'. Often used for grains and crops.
実を結ぶ is a set phrase that works for both literal and figurative meanings. 実る is more often used for crops ripening or dreams coming true, and has a slightly more poetic feel.
It's the season when rice bears fruit.