Translation guide
The English verb 'adopt' covers several distinct actions: legally taking a child as one's own, taking on a method or policy, choosing a name or title, and formally accepting a proposal. Japanese uses different verbs for each meaning, and the most common translations are 養子にする for child adoption and 採用する for adopting methods or systems.
To become the legal parent of a child who is not biologically one's own.
The most common and general way to say 'adopt a child'. 養子 means 'adopted child'.
彼らは孤児を養子にした。
They adopted an orphan.
A more formal or legal term for the act of adoption, often used in official contexts.
養子縁組の手続きをしました。
We went through the adoption procedures.
Means 'to take in' or 'to take custody of', often used for fostering or taking in a relative's child, not necessarily formal adoption.
親戚の子を引き取って育てた。
We took in a relative's child and raised them.
To begin to use a particular approach, technique, or set of rules.
The standard verb for adopting a method, system, policy, or technology. Also used for hiring people.
新しい教育方法を採用した。
They adopted a new teaching method.
その会社はフレックスタイム制を採用している。
The company has adopted a flextime system.
Means 'to incorporate' or 'to bring in', often used for ideas, customs, or elements from elsewhere.
Means 'to introduce' or 'to implement', often used for new systems, technologies, or equipment.
新システムを来月導入する予定だ。
We plan to adopt the new system next month.
To start using a particular name or title for oneself or something.
Means 'to call oneself' or 'to give one's name as'. Used when someone adopts a new name or alias.
彼は作家としてペンネームを名乗っている。
He has adopted a pen name as a writer.
A straightforward way to say 'use the name ~'. Less formal than 名乗る.
彼女は仕事で旧姓を使っている。
She uses her maiden name at work. (She has adopted her maiden name professionally.)
To officially agree to a suggestion or plan, often in a committee or organizational setting.
Used for formally adopting a resolution, proposal, or report, especially in meetings or committees.
委員会はその決議を採択した。
The committee adopted the resolution.
Means 'to approve' or 'to authorize'. Broader than 採択する, used for plans, budgets, etc.
取締役会は新しい事業計画を承認した。
The board of directors adopted the new business plan.
To assume a certain behavior or stance, often deliberately.
Used in phrases like 態度を取る (to adopt an attitude) or 姿勢を取る (to adopt a stance).
彼は強気な態度を取った。
He adopted an aggressive attitude.
Means 'to show' or 'to display', often used for adopting a certain expression or demeanor.
Both can translate 'adopt', but 採用する is for methods, systems, or hiring people, while 採択する is specifically for formally adopting resolutions or proposals in meetings.
養子にする is only for adopting a child. Using it for adopting a method or policy would be incorrect and confusing.
日本の文化を生活に取り入れている。
I have adopted Japanese culture into my life.
She adopted a calm expression.