Translation guide
The English phrase "taking root" can refer to plants establishing themselves in soil, or metaphorically to ideas, customs, or people becoming settled or established. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both literal and figurative uses.
To describe a plant or cutting that has begun to grow roots and become established in soil.
The most common and natural way to say a plant takes root. Intransitive verb.
挿し木が根付いた。
The cutting has taken root.
この植物はなかなか根付かない。
This plant just won't take root.
Literally 'to put down roots'. Slightly more literary or emphatic than 根付く.
苗木がしっかりと根を下ろした。
The sapling has firmly taken root.
Technical term used in horticulture for a plant successfully establishing after transplanting.
移植後、活着するまで水を切らさないでください。
After transplanting, keep watering until it takes root.
To describe an abstract concept, practice, or movement that becomes accepted or firmly established in a society or group.
The standard word for an idea, custom, or word becoming established. Works for both positive and neutral contexts.
新しい生活様式が定着した。
The new lifestyle has taken root.
この言葉はまだ定着していない。
This word hasn't taken root yet.
Also used metaphorically for ideas, customs, etc., emphasizing organic, gradual acceptance. Slightly more literary than 定着する.
Emphasizes permeation or spreading throughout a group. Often used for ideas, awareness, or technology.
環境意識が社会に浸透してきた。
Environmental awareness has taken root in society.
To describe a person becoming established and feeling at home in a new location.
Metaphorically 'putting down roots', implying a long-term commitment to a place.
彼はこの町に根を下ろして、家族を持った。
He put down roots in this town and started a family.
To settle permanently. More factual and less metaphorical than 根を下ろす.
移住者たちはこの地域に定住した。
The immigrants took root in this region.
To settle down, become calm and established. Often used for personal life stages.
民主主義がこの国に根付くには時間がかかるだろう。
It will take time for democracy to take root in this country.
彼は東京に落ち着いて、仕事を見つけた。
He settled down in Tokyo and found a job.