prosper

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 繁 has 16 strokes and expresses prospering or multiplying.
• Basic usage: 繁栄 is read はんえい, and 繁殖 is read はんしょく.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 繁栄 and 繁殖
  • 繁栄 means prosperity.
  • 港の繁栄を支えた商人たちの記録が残っている。 means “Records remain of the merchants who supported the port's prosperity.”
  • 繁殖 means reproduction or breeding.
  • 池では春になると小さな魚が繁殖します。 means “Small fish breed in the pond when spring arrives.”