Translation guide
The English word "culture" covers several distinct concepts. This guide breaks them down into practical meanings and shows how to express each naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the shared customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or group.
The most common and direct translation for 'culture' in this sense. Used for national, regional, corporate, or group culture.
日本の文化はとてもユニークです。
Japanese culture is very unique.
会社の文化に慣れるのに時間がかかった。
It took time to get used to the company culture.
Refers specifically to customs and traditions, often with a historical or regional focus. More concrete than 文化.
この地域には独特の風習が残っている。
Unique customs remain in this region.
Means 'tradition'. Use when emphasizing the historical continuity of cultural practices.
この祭りは古い伝統に基づいている。
This festival is based on an old tradition.
Referring to activities related to the arts and intellectual achievement, often considered high culture.
Also used for this sense. Often appears in compounds like 文化活動 (cultural activities) or 文化施設 (cultural facilities).
彼は文化活動に積極的に参加している。
He actively participates in cultural activities.
Means 'art' or 'the arts'. Use when specifically talking about fine arts, music, theater, etc.
Referring to the cultivation of bacteria, tissue cells, etc., in a laboratory.
The standard term for 'culture' in a scientific/medical context. Used for bacteria, cells, tissues.
細菌の培養には適切な温度が必要だ。
Culturing bacteria requires an appropriate temperature.
Specifically 'culture medium' or 'culture fluid'.
Referring to the growing of plants or crops.
The general term for cultivation of plants. Used for farming, gardening, etc.
この地域では米の栽培が盛んだ。
Rice cultivation is thriving in this region.
Specifically for aquaculture (fish, shellfish, seaweed farming).
Referring to a person's refined understanding and appreciation of arts, manners, etc.
Refers to a person's cultural refinement, education, and breadth of knowledge. Often used in phrases like 教養がある (to be cultured).
彼はとても教養がある人だ。
He is a very cultured person.
An adjective meaning 'cultural' or 'cultured'. Can describe a person or environment.
文化 (ぶんか) refers to the broader concept of culture as a social phenomenon (customs, arts, etc.). 教養 (きょうよう) refers to an individual's cultural refinement and education. Saying 彼は文化がある is unnatural; use 彼は教養がある instead.
In scientific or agricultural contexts, 文化 is not used. Use 培養 (ばいよう) for bacteria/cells and 栽培 (さいばい) for plants.
この都市は芸術の中心地として知られている。
This city is known as a center of arts and culture.
培養液を交換する必要がある。
The culture medium needs to be replaced.
真珠の養殖はこの町の主要産業です。
Pearl culture is the main industry of this town.
彼女は文化的な家庭で育った。
She grew up in a cultured family.