1.
upbringing, background, personal history
The circumstances of one's growth from childhood, including family environment, education, and experiences that shaped who one is today.
彼の生い立ちを聞いた。
I heard about his upbringing.
複雑な生い立ちを持っている。
They have a complicated background.
作家の生い立ちを知ると、作品の理解が深まることがある。
Knowing about an author's background can deepen your understanding of their works.
生い立ち refers to the narrative of how someone grew up — their family environment, upbringing, and experiences from childhood through adolescence.
ETYMOLOGY:
Noun form of the verb 生い立つ (to grow up).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 生い立ちを語る: to tell about one's upbringing
- 生い立ちを聞く: to hear about someone's background
- 複雑な生い立ち: complicated background
- 恵まれた生い立ち: privileged upbringing
- 生い立ちの記: record of one's upbringing (often read at weddings)
USAGE:
Common in biographical contexts, interviews, and wedding ceremonies. At Japanese weddings, the 生い立ちの紹介 (introduction of the couple's backgrounds) is a standard part of the program.