Meaning and Usage
The verb 産む (うむ) primarily means "to give birth" in a biological sense, referring to animals or humans delivering offspring. It is a transitive verb, so it requires a direct object, usually the child or offspring.
Extended Uses
Beyond childbirth, 産む is also used metaphorically to mean "to produce" or "to generate," such as producing goods, ideas, or results. This figurative use is common in business or creative contexts.
Common Collocations
- 子どもを産む: to give birth to a child
- 製品を産む: to produce products
- アイデアを産む: to generate ideas
Register and Nuance
産む is a neutral verb and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When talking about childbirth in polite conversation, 産む is common, but more formal or medical contexts might use 出産する.
Learner Tips
A common confusion is mixing 産む with 生む (also read うむ), which is a variant kanji but the same verb. Also, 産む is transitive, so remember to include the object (what is being born or produced). Avoid using it for plants growing fruits; instead, use 実る (みのる).