Translation guide
The English word "mature" covers a wide range of meanings, from describing fully grown living things to developed personalities, well-considered ideas, and even financial products. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese expressions for each core meaning, helping you choose the right word for the context.
Describing animals, plants, or people that have reached full physical development.
The most common and versatile adjective meaning 'mature' or 'fully developed'. Used for organisms, fruits, and sometimes metaphorically for societies or technologies.
成熟した果実は甘い香りがする。
Mature fruit has a sweet fragrance.
彼は成熟した大人だ。
He is a mature adult.
Specifically refers to the adult form of an animal, often used in biology.
成体のカエルは昆虫を食べる。
Mature frogs eat insects.
A more literal phrase meaning 'fully grown'. Can be used for plants, animals, or people.
十分に成長した木は高さが20メートルを超える。
A fully mature tree exceeds 20 meters in height.
Describing a person who is responsible, sensible, and behaves like an adult.
Describes someone who seems mature for their age, often used for children or young people. Has a nuance of 'adult-like'.
彼女は年の割に大人っぽい。
She is mature for her age.
Means 'to have discretion' or 'to be sensible'. Emphasizes good judgment and responsibility.
彼は分別があるから、任せても大丈夫だ。
He is mature, so it's safe to leave it to him.
A more formal or explicit way to say 'emotionally mature'.
精神的に成熟している人は、感情をコントロールできる。
Emotionally mature people can control their feelings.
Implies a mellow, well-rounded maturity that comes with age and experience. Often used for artists or personalities.
円熟した演技が観客を魅了した。
His mature performance captivated the audience.
Describing something that shows careful thought, thorough development, or refinement.
Means 'carefully thought out'. Used for plans, opinions, or decisions.
熟考した末に、彼は転職を決意した。
After mature consideration, he decided to change jobs.
Can also be used metaphorically for ideas, markets, or technologies that are fully developed.
成熟した市場では、新規参入が難しい。
In a mature market, new entry is difficult.
Used for artistic works or skills that show refined maturity.
この小説は作家の円熟した文体を示している。
This novel shows the writer's mature style.
Describing the process of reaching maturity, either physically or mentally.
The verb 'to mature'. Covers physical, mental, and metaphorical maturation.
子供は経験を通して成熟する。
Children mature through experience.
Literally 'to become an adult'. Often used for the transition from childhood to adulthood.
彼は大学に入ってから大人になった。
He matured after entering university.
Means 'to grow up' or 'to develop'. Can imply physical or personal growth.
彼女は留学して大きく成長した。
She matured a lot while studying abroad.
Describing media or content intended for adults due to explicit themes.
Standard term for 'adult-oriented' or 'mature audiences'. Used for movies, games, etc.
この映画は成人向けの内容を含みます。
This movie contains mature content.
Borrowed from English 'R-rated'. Commonly used in Japan for movies with mature themes.
R指定の映画は18歳未満は見られない。
R-rated movies cannot be seen by those under 18.
Describing food or drink that has been aged to develop flavor.
Specifically used for aged foods like cheese, wine, or meat.
熟成したチーズは風味が豊かだ。
Mature cheese has a rich flavor.
The verb 'to age' or 'to mature' for food and drink.
このワインは樽で熟成する。
This wine matures in barrels.
Describing a financial instrument that has reached its maturity date.
The standard term for a bond or deposit that has reached maturity.
満期の定期預金を解約した。
I closed the mature time deposit.
The verb phrase 'to mature' for financial products.
債券が満期になると、元本が返還される。
When the bond matures, the principal is returned.
The English word 'mature' covers many distinct concepts. Using a single Japanese word like 成熟した for all meanings can sound unnatural. Always consider the specific context: physical growth, personality, ideas, food, or finance.
大人 (おとな) means 'adult' and often implies legal age or social status. 成熟 (せいじゅく) refers to the state of being fully developed, which can be physical, mental, or metaphorical. For personality, 大人っぽい is more about seeming mature, while 分別がある emphasizes good judgment.