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A2 verb #3,000 most common 12 min read

生む

umu Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 生む in 30 Seconds

Explanation 生む in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic and literal meaning of 'umu': giving birth to a baby. In Japanese, this is one of the first verbs you learn to describe families. You will mostly see it in the past tense 'unda' (gave birth) or 'umimasu' (gives birth). Think of it in simple sentences like 'The cat had kittens' or 'The mother had a baby.' At this stage, don't worry about the abstract meanings like 'producing profit.' Just remember that 'umu' is the action a mother or an animal does to bring a new life into the world. It is a transitive verb, so you always use the particle 'wo' with the baby or animal being born. For example: 'Kodomo wo umu' (To have a child).

At the A2 level, you expand your use of 'umu' to include animals laying eggs. You will learn that birds, turtles, and fish also 'umu' (lay) eggs. This is a common topic in basic science or nature discussions. You should also start to notice the word in simple cause-and-effect sentences. For example, 'Kono ki wa mi wo umu' (This tree produces fruit) or 'Hard work produces success' (though 'produces fruit' is more common for A2). You will also begin to distinguish 'umu' (to give birth) from 'umareru' (to be born). A2 learners should be comfortable using the polite form 'umimasu' and the plain form 'umu' in various simple tenses.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'umu' in its metaphorical sense. This is very common in business and social contexts. You will use it to talk about producing results, generating profit, or giving rise to new ideas. For example, 'Kono aidea wa rieki wo umu' (This idea produces profit). You will also encounter the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as the conditional form 'undara' (if/when someone gives birth) or the potential form 'umeru' (can give birth/produce). You should also be aware of the difference between the kanji 生む and 産む, knowing that 産む is more specific to biological birth while 生む is more general.

At the B2 level, you will use 'umu' to describe complex social phenomena and causal relationships. You might hear it in news reports about how certain policies 'umu' (give rise to) social inequality or how a new invention 'umu' (creates) a whole new market. You should be able to use it fluently in formal speeches or written essays. At this level, you will also learn more sophisticated synonyms like 'shussan suru' (to give birth - formal) or 'seisan suru' (to produce - industrial) and know exactly when to use 'umu' instead to add a more organic or profound nuance to your writing. You will also see it in literature to describe the 'birth' of a new era or a movement.

At the C1 level, you will encounter 'umu' in highly abstract, philosophical, and literary contexts. It is used to discuss the 'birthing' of consciousness, the 'production' of meaning in text, or the 'generation' of cultural shifts over centuries. You will be able to appreciate the word's depth in classical literature or high-level academic papers. C1 learners should understand the historical and mythological weight of the word, such as its role in the Shinto creation myths (Kuniumi). You will also be expected to use the word with perfect precision, choosing it over other verbs to convey a sense of natural, inevitable, or life-giving creation.

At the C2 level, 'umu' is a tool for nuanced expression in professional, academic, and creative writing. You will understand its usage in archaic forms or specialized legal and scientific jargon. You can use it to discuss the 'birthing' of entire civilizations or the 'production' of complex psychological states in a way that sounds native and sophisticated. You will also be able to analyze the use of 'umu' in poetry and prose, understanding how it functions as a metaphor for the human condition and the cycle of life and death. At this level, you are not just using a verb; you are wielding a word that carries the weight of Japanese history and philosophy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

生む in 30 Seconds

Umu primarily means to give birth to a child or for animals to lay eggs, marking the physical beginning of life.
Metaphorically, it describes producing results like profit, value, or creating a specific atmosphere or situation through an action.
It is a transitive verb (requires an object with 'wo') and is a Godan verb, conjugating to 'unda' in the past tense.
While 産む is for biological birth, 生む is used for both biological and abstract creation, making it the more versatile kanji.

The Japanese verb 生む (umu) is a foundational word in the Japanese language, representing the profound act of bringing something new into existence. At its most literal and biological level, it refers to the act of giving birth to offspring or laying eggs. Whether it is a human mother delivering a child or a sea turtle burying eggs in the sand, umu is the primary verb used to describe this natural transition from non-existence to life. However, its utility extends far beyond the delivery room or the nesting ground. In a metaphorical sense, umu is used to describe the production of results, the creation of value, or the emergence of new circumstances from a specific action or state. For example, a successful business strategy might 'produce' (umu) significant profit, or a misunderstanding might 'give rise to' (umu) a conflict. This versatility makes it an essential verb for learners at the A2 level and beyond, as it bridges the gap between physical reality and abstract conceptualization.

Biological Context: Used for mammals giving birth and birds, reptiles, or insects laying eggs. It emphasizes the origin of life.

その鳥は毎年この場所で卵を生む。
(Sono tori wa maitoshi kono basho de tamago wo umu.)
That bird lays eggs in this place every year.

When using umu in a metaphorical sense, it often carries a nuance of 'natural consequence' or 'fruitful outcome.' In business and economics, you will frequently hear about 'added value' (fuka-kachi) being produced. In social contexts, it describes the generation of emotions or atmospheres. It is important to note that umu is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object marked by the particle を (wo). You are the agent 'producing' or 'birthing' something. This distinguishes it from its intransitive counterpart, umareru (to be born), where the focus is on the subject coming into the world. Understanding the transitive nature of umu allows you to describe your own agency in creating results, whether they be physical children or intellectual breakthroughs.

Abstract Context: Used for generating profit, creating a mood, or causing a reaction. It implies that one thing leads to the creation of another.

彼の言葉は多くの誤解を生んだ。
(Kare no kotoba wa ooku no gokai wo unda.)
His words gave rise to many misunderstandings.

In Japanese culture, the concept of 'birthing' is also tied to the creation of the nation itself. In the Kojiki (Japan's oldest chronicle), the gods Izanagi and Izanami are said to have performed 'Kuniumi' (the birthing of the islands). This cultural background gives the verb a weight that transcends simple 'production.' It suggests a fundamental, almost divine act of creation. As a learner, when you use umu, you are tapping into this deep-seated linguistic history of bringing things into the light of existence. Whether you are talking about a cat having kittens or a creative project yielding results, you are describing the very engine of progress and life.

Social Context: Often used in news reports regarding the declining birth rate (shoushika), where the number of children 'born' is a central topic of national debate.

新しい技術が新しい仕事を生む。
(Atarashii gijutsu ga atarashii shigoto wo umu.)
New technology creates (gives birth to) new jobs.

Mastering the use of 生む (umu) requires an understanding of its conjugation as a Godan (Type I) verb and its relationship with the direct object particle を (wo). Because it is a transitive verb, the structure is typically: [Subject] が [Object] を生む. The subject is the entity doing the birthing or producing, and the object is what is being brought into existence. In the past tense, umu becomes unda (生んだ), following the standard 'mu' to 'nda' transformation for Godan verbs. In the polite form, it becomes umimasu (生みます). These basic forms allow you to cover the vast majority of daily interactions involving this word.

Basic Structure: [Agent] + が + [Offspring/Result] + を + 生む
Example: 母が赤ちゃんを生む (The mother gives birth to a baby).

彼女は先月、元気な男の子を生みました。
(Kanojo wa sengetsu, genki na otokonoko wo umimashita.)
She gave birth to a healthy baby boy last month.

When applying umu to non-biological contexts, the grammar remains identical, but the vocabulary shifts to abstract nouns. Common objects for umu include rieki (profit), gokai (misunderstanding), kachi (value), and gijutsu (technology). It is a powerful verb for describing cause-and-effect relationships. If you want to say 'Hard work produces success,' you could use umu to emphasize that success is the 'offspring' of the labor. This metaphorical usage is highly common in Japanese editorials and business presentations where the focus is on outcomes and productivity.

Cause and Effect: [Action/Situation] + が + [Result] + を + 生む
Example: 努力が成功を生む (Effort produces success).

この投資は大きな利益を生むだろう。
(Kono toushi wa ookina rieki wo umu darou.)
This investment will likely produce a large profit.

One nuance to be careful of is the difference between umu and tsukuru (to make). While both involve creation, tsukuru often implies a manual or intentional construction process (like making a chair or cooking a meal). In contrast, umu implies a more organic, generative process where the result flows naturally from the source. You wouldn't 'umu' a sandwich, but a creative environment might 'umu' a brilliant idea. Using umu gives your Japanese a more sophisticated, natural feel when discussing outcomes that aren't 'built' by hand but rather 'generated' by circumstances or life.

Negative Form: The negative form is 'umanai' (生まない). It is used to describe something that fails to produce a result or an animal that does not bear offspring.

争いは何も生まない。
(Arasoi wa nani mo umanai.)
Conflict produces nothing (Conflict leads to nothing).

The verb 生む (umu) resonates through various layers of Japanese society, from the most intimate family settings to the grand scales of national policy and corporate strategy. In everyday life, you are most likely to encounter it in conversations regarding family and children. Friends might discuss a celebrity who 'unda' (gave birth), or family members might talk about a pet dog that 'unda' puppies. It is a word of celebration and new beginnings. In these contexts, the word is often used in the past tense (unda) or the polite past (umimashita) because the focus is on the completed act of birth.

News and Media: Regularly appears in reports about the 'shoushika' (declining birth rate) and 'shusshouritsu' (birth rate). It is also common in nature documentaries.

絶滅危惧種のパンダが双子を生んだニュースが流れた。
(Zetsumetsu kigushu no panda ga futago wo unda nyuusu ga nagareta.)
News spread that an endangered panda gave birth to twins.

In the business world, umu is a staple of 'corporate speak.' Managers and executives use it to describe the generation of value, innovation, and synergy. You will hear phrases like 'atarashii kachi wo umu' (producing new value) or 'rieki wo umu' (generating profit). In this context, the word carries a connotation of productivity and health. A company that isn't 'birthing' new ideas or profits is seen as stagnant. This metaphorical use is particularly prevalent in marketing, where products are often advertised as something that will 'umu' a new lifestyle or 'umu' happiness for the consumer.

Business and Economics: Used to discuss the output of systems, the success of investments, and the creation of market value.

この提携は、両社に大きな相乗効果を生むだろう。
(Kono teikei wa, ryousha ni ookina soujou kouka wo umu darou.)
This partnership will likely produce a great synergistic effect for both companies.

Furthermore, umu is frequently heard in philosophical or social discussions. When debating the causes of social issues, people might say that poverty 'produces' crime, or that a lack of communication 'produces' isolation. In these instances, umu acts as a powerful link in a chain of causality. It is also found in literature and song lyrics, where it might describe the 'birth' of a new era or the 'production' of a timeless melody. Whether it's the literal birth of a child or the figurative birth of a revolution, umu is the word Japanese speakers choose to mark the moment of creation.

Academic and Social Debate: Used to link sociological factors to their outcomes, such as how education 'produces' opportunities.

格差社会は様々な問題を生んでいる。
(Kakusa shakai wa samazama na mondai wo unde iru.)
The disparate society is producing various problems.

One of the most frequent errors for learners is confusing 生む (umu) with its intransitive counterpart, 生まれる (umareru). As a transitive verb, umu requires someone or something to do the action to an object. For example, 'The mother (subject) gave birth to a child (object).' Conversely, umareru is intransitive, meaning the focus is on the person who is being born: 'The child was born.' Learners often say 'Watashi wa Tokyo de umimashita' (I gave birth in Tokyo) when they mean 'Watashi wa Tokyo de umaremashita' (I was born in Tokyo). This mistake can lead to quite a bit of confusion or amusement, as you might accidentally claim to have delivered a child when you were just talking about your birthplace.

Transitive vs. Intransitive: 生む (Transitive): Agent + を + 生む. Focus on the producer.
生まれる (Intransitive): Subject + が + 生まれる. Focus on the being that appears.

❌ 私は日本で生んだ。
✅ 私は日本で生まれた。
(I was born in Japan.)

Another common pitfall is the confusion between the kanji 生 and 産. While both are read as umu, their usage nuances differ slightly. 産む is strictly for biological birth—humans, animals, or laying eggs. 生む is a broader term that encompasses biological birth but also includes the metaphorical production of results, ideas, or consequences. If you are writing about a business producing profit, you must use 生む. Using 産む in a business context can look strange, as if the company is literally having a baby. However, in modern digital communication, many people stick to 生む as a universal catch-all to avoid overthinking the kanji choice.

Kanji Distinction: 産む: Biological (babies, eggs, calves).
生む: General/Metaphorical (profit, ideas, results, and babies).

❌ この計画は利益を産む。
✅ この計画は利益を生む。
(This plan will produce profit.)

Lastly, learners sometimes confuse umu with tsukuru (to make) or dasu (to put out/produce). While they share a similar meaning of 'production,' umu implies that the result is a natural or organic outcome of the source. For example, if you say 'Kare wa atarashii gijutsu wo dashita,' it sounds like he simply released or presented it. If you say 'Kare wa atarashii gijutsu wo unda,' it sounds more profound, as if he 'gave birth' to a revolutionary concept through effort and ingenuity. Choosing umu over tsukuru or dasu adds a layer of depth and significance to the act of creation.

Word Mix-up: 生む (umu): To give birth/produce.
埋める (umeru): To bury/fill in.

❌ 穴を生む。
✅ 穴を埋める。
(To fill in a hole.)

In Japanese, there are several ways to express the idea of 'birthing' or 'producing' depending on the level of formality and the specific context. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the most appropriate word for your situation. The most direct synonym for biological birth is 出産する (shussan suru). This is a more formal, medical, or technical term. While you might say 'umu' to a friend, a hospital document or a news report will likely use 'shussan suru.' It specifically refers to human childbirth and is not used for animals laying eggs.

Comparison: 生む vs. 出産する: 生む: General, informal/neutral, applies to animals and metaphors.
出産する: Formal, medical, human-specific.

彼女は無事に第一子を出産した。
(Kanojo wa buji ni daiisshi wo shussan shita.)
She successfully gave birth to her first child.

For animals that lay eggs, the specific term is 産卵する (sanran suru). While 'tamago wo umu' is perfectly natural in daily conversation, 'sanran' is the scientific term used in biology or nature documentaries. If you are describing the life cycle of a salmon or an insect in an academic setting, sanran is the preferred choice. For industrial or mass production, the word is 生産する (seisan suru). This is used for factories, farms, or economies producing goods. You would never say a factory 'unda' a car; you would say it 'seisan shita' (produced) it.

Comparison: 生む vs. 生産する: 生む: Organic, natural, or metaphorical production.
生産する: Industrial, systematic, or mass production of goods.

この工場では毎日100台の車を生産している。
(Kono koujou de wa mainichi hyakudai no kuruma wo seisan shite iru.)
This factory produces 100 cars every day.

In the realm of abstract creation, such as creating a new system, culture, or idea, you might encounter 創出する (soushutsu suru) or 作り出す (tsukuridasu). Soushutsu is highly formal and often used in policy or high-level business contexts (e.g., 'creating jobs' - koyou wo soushutsu suru). Tsukuridasu is more common and emphasizes the act of 'making and bringing out.' While umu focuses on the result being born from a source, tsukuridasu focuses on the effort of the creator to bring the object into the world. Using umu in these contexts adds a poetic or naturalistic touch, suggesting that the creation was an inevitable or organic growth.

Synonym Summary

出産: Childbirth (Formal)
産卵: Egg-laying (Scientific)
生産: Manufacturing (Industrial)
創出: Creation/Generation (Abstract/Formal)

新しい雇用を創出することが政府の目標だ。
(Atarashii koyou wo soushutsu suru koto ga seifu no mokuhyou da.)
Creating new employment is the government's goal.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji 生 depicts a plant sprouting from the ground, symbolizing the natural and unstoppable force of life emerging into the world.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /u.mu/

US /u.mu/

The pitch usually starts low and stays relatively flat, or drops slightly on 'mu' depending on the dialect (Heiban accent).

Rhymes With

kumu (to pour/cross) sumu (to live/clear) fumu (to step on) amu (to knit) kamu (to bite) yamu (to stop) yomu (to read) nomu (to drink)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'mu' as a long 'moooo'. It should be clipped.
Confusing the pitch with 'umu' (to ripen - though written differently).
Mixing up 'umu' with 'uma' (horse).
Mistaking 'umu' for 'umi' (sea).
Failing to nasalize the 'm' sound slightly as per Japanese phonology.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji 生 is very common, but the reading 'u' in 'umu' is specific.

Writing 2/5

Easy to write, but must distinguish between 生 and 産.

Speaking 2/5

Simple pronunciation, but don't confuse with 'umareru'.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with other 'u' starting verbs in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

生きる (ikiru) 子供 (kodomo) 卵 (tamago) 作る (tsukuru) 出る (deru)

Learn Next

生まれる (umareru) 出産 (shussan) 育てる (sodateru) 成長する (seichou suru) 生産 (seisan)

Advanced

創出 (soushutsu) 産卵 (sanran) 繁殖 (hanshoku) 源泉 (gensen) 萌芽 (houga)

Grammar to Know

Transitive vs Intransitive Pairs

生む (Transitive) vs 生まれる (Intransitive)

Godan Verb Conjugation (mu -> nda)

生む -> 生んだ

Potential Form of Godan Verbs

生む -> 生める (can produce)

Causative Form

生ませる (to make someone give birth/produce)

Passive Form

生まれる (to be produced/born)

Examples by Level

母は赤ちゃんを産みました。

My mother gave birth to a baby.

Uses the polite past form 'umimashita'.

猫が子猫を五匹生んだ。

The cat gave birth to five kittens.

Uses the plain past form 'unda'.

犬はどこで赤ちゃんを生みますか？

Where do dogs give birth to babies?

Question form using 'umimasu ka'.

彼女はいつ子供を生みましたか？

When did she give birth to the child?

Past tense question.

象は一回に一匹だけ生む。

Elephants give birth to only one (calf) at a time.

Present tense for a general fact.

鳥が卵を生んだよ！

The bird laid an egg!

Particle 'yo' adds emphasis.

魚はたくさん卵を生みます。

Fish lay many eggs.

Polite present tense.

お母さんは私をここで生んだ。

My mother gave birth to me here.

Direct object 'watashi' (me).

カメは砂の中に卵を産む。

Turtles lay eggs in the sand.

Biological fact using '産む'.

この木は毎年おいしい実を生む。

This tree produces delicious fruit every year.

Metaphorical/Botanical production.

新しい仕事が新しいお金を生む。

New work produces new money.

Simple abstract cause and effect.

ペンギンは寒い場所で卵を生みます。

Penguins lay eggs in cold places.

Polite form 'umimasu'.

元気な赤ちゃんを生んでください。

Please give birth to a healthy baby.

Request form 'unde kudasai'.

彼は有名な作家を生んだ町に住んでいる。

He lives in the town that produced a famous author.

Relative clause modifying 'machi' (town).

一羽の鳥が二つの卵を生んだ。

One bird laid two eggs.

Counter 'futatsu' used with 'tamago'.

この花は種をたくさん生みます。

This flower produces many seeds.

Polite form for botanical fact.

この新しい計画は大きな利益を生むだろう。

This new plan will likely produce a large profit.

Abstract usage in business.

親の期待が子供にプレッシャーを生んでいる。

Parents' expectations are creating pressure on the child.

Continuous form 'unde iru' for an ongoing state.

彼の失言が大きな問題を生んでしまった。

His slip of the tongue unfortunately caused a big problem.

'-te shimau' indicates regret.

この地域は多くの政治家を生んできた。

This region has produced many politicians.

'-te kuru' indicates a process over time.

嘘はさらなる嘘を生むだけだ。

Lies only give birth to more lies.

Philosophical statement.

彼女は三人の子供を生みながら、仕事も続けている。

While giving birth to three children, she is also continuing her work.

'-nagara' indicates simultaneous action.

その発明は世界に革命を生んだ。

That invention produced a revolution in the world.

Historical/Abstract result.

不景気は失業者を生む原因になる。

A recession becomes a cause that produces unemployed people.

Causal relationship.

格差社会は社会的な分断を生む恐れがある。

A disparate society fears giving rise to social division.

'Osore ga aru' (there is a fear/risk).

この技術革新が、かつてない価値を生み出すだろう。

This technological innovation will likely create unprecedented value.

'Umidasu' (compound verb) for emphasized creation.

沈黙が二人の間に気まずい空気を生んだ。

The silence created an awkward atmosphere between the two.

Abstract emotional context.

教育は、個人の可能性を最大限に生む力を持っている。

Education has the power to produce an individual's potential to the maximum.

Metaphorical use of 'potential'.

その映画は、若者の間に新しいトレンドを生んだ。

That movie gave birth to a new trend among young people.

Social influence.

過度なストレスは、様々な病気を生む要因となる。

Excessive stress becomes a factor that produces various illnesses.

Medical/Causal context.

多様な意見の衝突が、より良いアイデアを生む。

The collision of diverse opinions produces better ideas.

Positive outcome of conflict.

この土地は、豊かな文化を生んできた歴史がある。

This land has a history of having produced a rich culture.

'-te kita' (perfective aspect).

言葉の壁が、時として不必要な憎しみを生むことがある。

Language barriers can sometimes give rise to unnecessary hatred.

'Koto ga aru' (sometimes happens).

彼の孤独な生活が、この傑作を生んだと言っても過言ではない。

It is no exaggeration to say that his lonely life produced this masterpiece.

'To itte mo kagon de wa nai' (no exaggeration).

民主主義は、絶え間ない対話の中から生み出されるべきものだ。

Democracy is something that should be produced from within constant dialogue.

Passive potential form 'umidasareru'.

一瞬の油断が、取り返しのつかない悲劇を生んでしまった。

A moment's negligence unfortunately produced an irreversible tragedy.

'Torikaeshi no tsukanai' (irreversible).

科学の進歩は、人類に新たな倫理的問題を生んでいる。

Scientific progress is producing new ethical problems for humanity.

Ongoing state of production.

その詩人の言葉は、読者の心の中に鮮やかな風景を生む。

The poet's words produce a vivid landscape within the reader's heart.

Literary/Metaphorical.

市場の不安定さが、投資家の間にパニックを生んだ。

Market instability produced a panic among investors.

Economic/Psychological context.

伝統と革新の融合が、新しい芸術の形を生む。

The fusion of tradition and innovation produces new forms of art.

Conceptual synthesis.

この神話は、宇宙が混沌から生み出された過程を描いている。

This myth depicts the process by which the universe was produced from chaos.

Passive 'umidasareta' in a cosmic context.

権力の集中は、歴史的に見て常に腐敗を生んできた。

The concentration of power has historically always produced corruption.

Historical generalization.

記号論において、意味は差異のシステムから生まれるとされる。

In semiotics, it is said that meaning is produced from a system of differences.

Academic/Theoretical usage.

彼の哲学は、実存的な苦悩の中から生み出された独自の境地である。

His philosophy is a unique state produced from within existential suffering.

High-level philosophical description.

文明の衝突が、新たな文明の萌芽を生むこともある。

The clash of civilizations can also produce the sprouts of a new civilization.

Metaphorical 'houga' (sprout/bud).

この法案の成立は、憲法解釈上の重大な疑義を生む可能性がある。

The passage of this bill has the potential to produce significant doubts in constitutional interpretation.

Legal/Technical context.

沈黙の奥底に潜む真実が、時として雄弁な言葉以上に何かを生む。

The truth lurking in the depths of silence sometimes produces something more than eloquent words.

Poetic/Abstract.

遺伝子操作が予期せぬ変異を生むリスクは、完全には排除できない。

The risk that genetic manipulation produces unexpected mutations cannot be completely eliminated.

Scientific/Risk analysis.

Common Collocations

子供を生む

卵を生む

利益を生む

誤解を生む

価値を生む

混乱を生む

結果を生む

トレンドを生む

仕事を生む

悲劇を生む

Common Phrases

身を以て生む

— To literally give birth from one's own body.

母が身を以て生んでくれた。

新たな命を生む

— To bring a new life into the world (poetic).

春は新たな命を生む季節だ。

相乗効果を生む

— To produce a synergistic effect.

二つの会社が組むことで相乗効果を生む。

軋轢を生む

— To create friction or discord between people.

彼の態度は周囲に軋轢を生んだ。

亀裂を生む

— To cause a crack or rift (metaphorically, in a relationship).

嘘が二人の間に亀裂を生んだ。

活力を生む

— To generate vitality or energy.

朝の運動が活力を生む。

雇用を生む

— To create jobs/employment.

新工場が地域に雇用を生む。

矛盾を生む

— To produce a contradiction.

その説明は矛盾を生んでいる。

奇跡を生む

— To produce a miracle.

信じる心が奇跡を生む。

不信感を生む

— To create a feeling of distrust.

隠し事は不信感を生むだけだ。

Often Confused With

生む vs 生まれる (umareru)

This is the intransitive form. 'Umu' is to give birth, 'umareru' is to be born.

生む vs 埋める (umeru)

To bury. Very similar sound, but completely different meaning.

生む vs 熟む (umu)

To ripen (like fruit). Rarely written in kanji, but sounds the same.

Idioms & Expressions

"嘘が嘘を生む"

— Lies lead to more lies; a web of deceit.

一つ嘘をつくと、嘘が嘘を生むことになる。

Neutral

"貧すれば鈍するが、窮すれば通ず、そして新しい道を生む"

— Poverty dulls the wit, but being in a corner opens a path and produces a new way.

困難な状況こそが新しい道を生む。

Literary

"富が富を生む"

— Wealth generates more wealth.

投資の世界では、富が富を生む仕組みがある。

Economic

"ペンは剣よりも強く、思想を生む"

— The pen is mightier than the sword and produces thought.

言葉は新しい思想を生む力がある。

Philosophical

"卵を生む鶏を殺す"

— To kill the goose that lays the golden eggs (destroying a source of future profit).

短期的な利益のために、卵を生む鶏を殺してはいけない。

Business

"産みの苦しみ"

— The pain of creation/birth (used for the struggle of finishing a project).

この小説を書くのは産みの苦しみだった。

Artistic

"生みの親"

— Biological parent; also the originator or 'father' of an idea/invention.

彼はこのプロジェクトの生みの親だ。

Neutral

"命を生む大地"

— The life-giving earth; Mother Earth.

私たちは命を生む大地に感謝すべきだ。

Poetic

"歴史が英雄を生む"

— History produces heroes; the times make the man.

混乱した歴史が多くの英雄を生んだ。

Historical

"愛が愛を生む"

— Love begets love.

優しさは連鎖し、愛が愛を生む。

Emotional

Easily Confused

生む vs 作る (tsukuru)

Both mean to create.

'Tsukuru' is for manual or intentional construction; 'umu' is for organic or resulting production.

イスを作る (make a chair) vs 利益を生む (produce profit).

生む vs 出す (dasu)

Both can mean 'produce'.

'Dasu' is to put out or present; 'umu' is to bring into existence from within.

答えを出す (give an answer) vs 新しいアイデアを生む (give birth to a new idea).

生む vs 育てる (sodateru)

Related to children.

'Umu' is the act of birth; 'sodateru' is the act of raising.

赤ちゃんを生む (have a baby) vs 赤ちゃんを育てる (raise a baby).

生む vs 発生する (hassei suru)

Both relate to things appearing.

'Hassei' is intransitive (it occurs); 'umu' is transitive (something makes it occur).

問題が発生する (a problem occurs) vs 彼が問題を生む (he causes a problem).

生む vs 製造する (seizou suru)

Both mean 'produce'.

'Seizou' is strictly for manufacturing physical goods in a factory.

パンを製造する (manufacture bread).

Sentence Patterns

[Mother] は [Baby] を生みました。

お母さんは赤ちゃんを生みました。

[Animal] は [Egg] を生む。

カメは卵を生む。

[Action] は [Result] を生むだろう。

この努力は成功を生むだろう。

[Situation] が [Problem] を生んでいる。

そのルールが混乱を生んでいる。

[Concept] から [Value] が生み出される。

対話から価値が生み出される。

[History] が [Hero] を生んだと言える。

時代が英雄を生んだと言える。

[Subject] は [Object] を生む力がある。

愛は奇跡を生む力がある。

[Place] で [Baby] を生む。

病院で赤ちゃんを生む。

Word Family

Nouns

産まれ (umare - birth/origin)

出産 (shussan - childbirth)

誕生 (tanjou - birth/emergence)

生産 (seisan - production)

Verbs

生まれる (umareru - to be born)

生み出す (umidasu - to create/produce)

生み付ける (umitsukeru - to lay eggs on something)

Adjectives

生みの (umi-no - related to birth, e.g., 'umi no oya')

生きる (ikiru - to live)

生やす (hayasu - to grow something)

生命 (seimei - life)

生産性 (seisansei - productivity)

出生 (shusshou - birth)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both daily life and professional contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using 'umu' for 'I was born'. → umareru
Umu is transitive (to give birth). Use 'umareta' for 'was born'.
Using 産む for business profit. → 生む
産む is strictly biological. 生む is for abstract results like profit.
Confusing 'umu' with 'umeru' (bury). → umu
The vowel difference is small but changes the meaning entirely.
Using 'umu' for factory production. → seisan suru
Factories 'seisan' (manufacture) things; they don't 'umu' (birth) them.
Forgetting the 'wo' particle. → [Object] wo umu
As a transitive verb, the object must be marked by 'wo'.

Tips

Watch the Particle

Always use 'wo' for the thing being born or produced. It is a transitive action.

Contextual Kanji

Use 産 for babies/eggs and 生 for everything else if you want to be precise.

Past Tense Usage

Birth is usually discussed in the past tense ('unda') because the act is completed.

Metaphorical Power

Use 'umu' to sound more natural when talking about results rather than just 'making' things.

Differentiate from Intransitive

Train your ear to hear the difference between 'umu' and 'umareru'.

Creation Myths

Remember the gods Izanagi and Izanami 'unda' Japan to understand the word's depth.

Business Writing

Use 'rieki wo umu' in reports to describe the success of a venture.

The 'Moo' Sound

Associate 'mu' with a cow having a calf to remember it means birth.

Personal Topics

Be gentle when asking people about 'umu' children as it is a private matter.

Compound Verbs

Learn 'umidasu' to emphasize the 'creation' aspect of producing something new.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'u' in 'umu' as the shape of a mother's womb, and the 'mu' as the sound 'moo' a cow makes when it has a calf. U-MU: The sound of life being born.

Visual Association

Imagine a seedling (the kanji 生) breaking through the soil. That act of 'breaking through' and 'appearing' is the essence of 'umu.'

Word Web

Life Birth Eggs Profit Results Creation Mother Offspring

Challenge

Try to write three sentences: one about a human birth, one about an animal laying eggs, and one about a business producing profit using 'umu'.

Word Origin

The verb 'umu' is derived from the Old Japanese root 'umu,' which has been used since the earliest recorded texts like the Man'yoshu. It is intrinsically linked to the concept of 'life' (i) and 'breath' (iki).

Original meaning: To bring forth life from the body; to produce offspring.

Japonic

Cultural Context

When discussing 'umu' in the context of childbirth, be mindful of people's personal circumstances regarding fertility and family planning in Japan.

In English, we use different verbs like 'give birth,' 'lay,' and 'produce.' Japanese learners must learn to unify these under 'umu.'

The 'Kuniumi' (Birth of the Land) story in the Kojiki. The song 'Inochi no Namae' (The Name of Life) which touches on themes of birth. The phrase 'Umi no Oya' used for inventors like Thomas Edison (the 'father' of the lightbulb).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hospital/Family

赤ちゃんを生む
安産 (anzan - easy birth)
予定日 (yoteibi - due date)
産婦人科 (sanfujinka - OB/GYN)

Nature/Biology

卵を生む
巣 (su - nest)
産卵期 (sanranki - spawning season)
孵化する (fuka suru - to hatch)

Business/Finance

利益を生む
付加価値 (fukakachi - added value)
投資 (toushi - investment)
生産性 (seisansei - productivity)

Social/Conflict

誤解を生む
差別を生む (sabetsu - to produce discrimination)
軋轢を生む
変化を生む (henka - to produce change)

Creative Arts

傑作を生む (kessaku - to produce a masterpiece)
インスピレーションを生む
新しい風を生む (to bring a fresh breeze/new style)
感動を生む (kandou - to produce emotion)

Conversation Starters

"いつか子供を生みたいと思っていますか？ (Do you want to have children someday?)"

"最近、何か新しいアイデアを生みましたか？ (Have you produced any new ideas lately?)"

"どうすればもっと利益を生むことができるでしょうか？ (How can we produce more profit?)"

"この映画はどんな感情を生みましたか？ (What kind of emotions did this movie produce?)"

"あなたの国で一番子供を生む時期はいつですか？ (When is the most common time to have babies in your country?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、あなたが「生んだ」価値について書いてください。 (Write about the value you 'produced' today.)

新しい技術が私たちの生活にどのような変化を生むか考えてみましょう。 (Think about what changes new technology will produce in our lives.)

「産みの苦しみ」を感じた経験はありますか？ (Have you ever experienced the 'pain of creation'?)

自然の中で卵を生む生き物を見たことがありますか？ (Have you ever seen a creature laying eggs in nature?)

言葉が誤解を生んでしまった時のことを思い出して書いてください。 (Write about a time when words produced a misunderstanding.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In a biological sense, no. However, in a metaphorical sense (like 'he produced a great idea'), yes, a man can be the subject of 'umu'.

They are pronounced the same. 産む is specifically for the physical act of giving birth or laying eggs. 生む is more general and can be used for both physical birth and abstract production (like profit).

You should use the intransitive form 'umareru'. Say: 'Watashi wa [Place] de umaremashita.' Do not use 'umimashita' as that means you gave birth.

Yes, but usually in the sense of 'producing fruit' (mi wo umu) or 'producing seeds' (tane wo umu). For general growth, 'sodatsu' or 'haeru' is used.

It is a neutral verb. To make it polite, use 'umimasu'. In very formal medical settings, 'shussan suru' is preferred.

Yes, 'rieki wo umu' (to produce profit) is a very common business expression.

The te-form is 'unde' (生んで). Example: 'Kodomo wo unde, shiawase desu' (I had a child and am happy).

Yes, 'umare' (birth/origin) and 'shusshou' (birth) are common nouns.

Yes, it is used for birds, reptiles, fish, and insects.

It is 'umeru' (生める), meaning 'can give birth' or 'can produce'.