発達をする

You usually pair this with the particle が. The structure is [Subject] が 発達をする. If you want to describe a current state, use 発達している. For example, if you see a bodybuilder, you might comment on their muscles. It sounds a bit more objective and scientific than just saying something "grew."

This is your go-to phrase for biology and systems. Use it when talking about a child’s brain growing. It’s perfect for discussing how a city's subway system expanded. You can also use it for weather, like a typhoon developing over the ocean. It’s great for professional settings or when you want to sound observant.

Don't use this for your personal hobbies or skills. If your Japanese is getting better, use 上達する instead. If a company is making more money, 発展する is a better fit. Also, don't use it for your height. If you got taller, just say 背が伸びた. Using 発達 for height sounds like you're a science experiment!

Japan has a deep fascination with the "process" of growth. After World War II, the term was everywhere during the "Economic Miracle." It reflects a society that values systematic improvement and structural integrity. You’ll see it often in news reports about technology or urban planning, showing Japan's pride in its advanced infrastructure.

You will frequently see 発達 combined with other nouns. 発達障害 refers to developmental disabilities, a common term in modern Japanese discourse. In casual speech, people often drop the を and just say 発達する. In very formal writing, you might see 発達を遂げる, which means to "achieve development."