栄える

• Reading: さかえる
• Romaji: sakaeru
• Kanji breakdown: 栄 (ei/saka) — prosper, glory, flourish
• Pronunciation: /sa.ka.e.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To prosper; to flourish; to thrive. Describes a state of growing success, vitality, or prominence.

A Group 2 (ichidan) intransitive verb describing prosperity and flourishing. Used for civilisations, businesses, cities, and cultures that are thriving. The kanji 栄 is the same used in 栄光 (glory) and 繁栄 (prosperity). Carries a grand, positive tone.

Examples

1. この地域は貿易によって栄えた歴史がある。 This region has a history of prospering through trade.
2. 文化が栄えるには自由な環境が必要だ。 A free environment is necessary for culture to flourish.
3. かつて栄えた文明も、やがて衰退する。 Even civilizations that once thrived will eventually decline.

Usage Guide

Context: history, culture, economics

Tone: grand

Origin & History

From 栄 (glory, prosper), which depicts a tree (木) crowned with flames (火火) — an image of brilliant, blazing vitality and growth reaching upward.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal