Translation guide
The English word 'adoption' covers several distinct concepts: legally taking a child as one's own, accepting and using a new method or idea, and formally approving a proposal or policy. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
To express the act of legally taking another person's child and raising them as one's own.
The standard legal term for adoption, referring to the formal process of establishing a parent-child relationship through legal procedures.
彼らは養子縁組をして子供を迎えた。
They adopted a child through legal adoption.
A common phrase meaning 'to adopt (a child)'. Used in everyday conversation.
彼らは孤児を養子にした。
They adopted an orphan.
Noun meaning 'adopted child'. Often used in contexts discussing the child who was adopted.
彼は養子として育てられた。
He was raised as an adopted child.
A specific type of adoption in Japan that completely severs legal ties with biological parents, similar to full adoption in some Western countries.
特別養子縁組は、実親との法的関係を断ち切る。
Special adoption severs legal ties with biological parents.
To express the act of starting to use or accept a new method, system, idea, or technology.
The most common term for adopting a method, system, policy, or technology. Implies selection and implementation.
新技術の採用が進んでいる。
The adoption of new technology is progressing.
当社は新しい勤務体系を採用した。
Our company adopted a new work system.
Focuses on the introduction or bringing in of something new, like a system or equipment. Often used for institutional or organizational adoption.
A verb meaning 'to incorporate' or 'to adopt' (an idea, method, etc.). Suggests actively bringing something into one's practice.
Used for formal adoption of a resolution, proposal, or plan, often in official meetings or committees.
To express the formal approval or enactment of a policy, law, or official document.
The standard term for formal adoption of resolutions, proposals, or plans in official settings.
新しい政策が国会で採択された。
The new policy was adopted by the Diet.
Specifically means 'passage' or 'approval' of a bill or motion. Focuses on the voting outcome.
Can also be used for adopting a policy or plan, especially in organizational contexts.
採用 (saiyō) is the most general for adopting methods, systems, or policies. 導入 (dōnyū) emphasizes the introduction or installation phase. 取り入れる (toriireru) is a verb meaning to actively incorporate something into existing practices, often used for ideas or techniques.
新制度を採用する。
Adopt a new system.
新制度を導入する。
Introduce a new system.
新しい考え方を取り入れる。
Adopt a new way of thinking.
養子 (yōshi) and related terms are only for child adoption. Using them for adopting ideas or technology would be incorrect and confusing.
新しいソフトウェアの採用により効率が向上した。
The adoption of the new software improved efficiency.
彼らは養子縁組を検討している。
They are considering adoption.
その決議の採択は満場一致だった。
The adoption of the resolution was unanimous.
新しいシステムの導入には時間がかかる。
The adoption of a new system takes time.
彼は新しい教授法を取り入れた。
He adopted a new teaching method.
その決議は満場一致で採択された。
The resolution was adopted unanimously.
The bill was adopted (passed).
委員会は新しい規則を採用した。
The committee adopted new rules.