Translation guide
Expressing the idea of 'bearing fruit' in Japanese, from literal fruit production to metaphorical success.
Describing a plant or tree that is currently producing or carrying fruit.
The most common and natural way to say a plant 'bears fruit'. Literally 'to attach fruit'.
この木は毎年たくさん実をつける。
This tree bears a lot of fruit every year.
Focuses on the fruit itself 'growing' or 'coming out'. Often used for the natural process.
Expressing that efforts, work, or plans have produced positive outcomes.
実をつける focuses on the tree/plant as the agent 'producing' fruit, while 実がなる describes the fruit naturally appearing. 実をつける is more common in everyday speech.
この木は実をつける。
This tree bears fruit. (active)
この木には実がなる。
Fruit grows on this tree. (natural process)
Avoid directly translating 'bearing fruit' as 果物を運ぶ (carrying fruit) or similar. Use the idiomatic phrases above.
In autumn, persimmon trees bear fruit.
A formal or technical term for 'bearing fruit', used in botanical or literary contexts.
受粉後、花は結実する。
After pollination, the flower bears fruit.
The standard metaphorical phrase for 'bearing fruit', meaning efforts have come to fruition.
長年の研究がついに実を結んだ。
Years of research finally bore fruit.
Literally 'results come out'. A very common, slightly more casual way to say efforts produced results.
努力の成果が出て嬉しい。
I'm happy that my efforts bore fruit.
Often used in the pattern 〜が実になる to mean 'something becomes fruitful' or 'turns into something beneficial'.
この経験がいつか実になるだろう。
This experience will bear fruit someday.
Noun form of 結実する, used in formal writing or speeches for 'fruition' or 'realization'.
計画の結実を見るまで諦めない。
I won't give up until I see the plan bear fruit.