Translation guide
The English word "cultivation" covers several distinct ideas: growing crops, developing personal skills or qualities, and fostering relationships. This guide breaks down these meanings and shows how to express them naturally in Japanese.
Growing crops or plants; farming.
The most common and general term for cultivating plants or crops. Used for both small-scale gardening and large-scale agriculture.
米の栽培はこの地域で盛んです。
Rice cultivation is thriving in this region.
彼は野菜の栽培を趣味にしている。
He cultivates vegetables as a hobby.
Refers specifically to tilling the soil and farming land. Often used in agricultural or legal contexts.
耕作放棄地が増えている。
Abandoned farmland is increasing.
Specifically means cultivation of aquatic organisms like fish or shellfish (aquaculture). Not for plants.
真珠の養殖が行われている。
Pearl cultivation is carried out.
Developing a skill, quality, or the mind through effort.
Refers to self-cultivation, moral training, or character building. Often used in philosophical or educational contexts.
読書は精神の修養になる。
Reading cultivates the mind.
Means cultivation of character or talent through education or training. Often paired with 人格 (personality).
芸術は人格を陶冶する。
Art cultivates one's character.
Literally 'to polish', used for refining skills or qualities. More casual and action-oriented.
彼女は料理の腕に磨きをかけている。
She is cultivating her cooking skills.
Means nurturing or fostering growth, often used for developing talent or abilities in others.
Developing and maintaining good relationships with people.
The most natural way to say 'cultivate a relationship'. 築く means 'to build'.
顧客との良好な関係を築くことが大切です。
It is important to cultivate good relationships with customers.
Means 'to deepen friendship', often used for international or business relations.
両国は友好を深めている。
The two countries are cultivating friendship.
Specifically means 'to expand one's network of contacts'. Used in business contexts.
異業種交流会で人脈を広げた。
I cultivated my network at the cross-industry exchange meeting.
The English word 'cultivation' is broad. Do not assume a single Japanese word covers all meanings. Always choose based on context: 栽培 for plants, 修養 for self-improvement, and 関係を築く for relationships.
栽培 (さいばい) is the general term for growing plants, including in pots or greenhouses. 耕作 (こうさく) specifically refers to working the soil on farmland. Use 栽培 for most gardening and farming contexts.
若手選手の育成に力を入れている。
We are focusing on cultivating young athletes.