Translation guide
Describes plants that have finished flowering and begun producing seeds, often becoming overgrown or unattractive. Also used figuratively for people, places, or things that have declined in appearance, condition, or vitality.
The literal botanical process where a plant stops flowering and produces seeds, often looking untidy.
Neutral, common way to say a plant has formed seeds. Literally 'seeds are made'.
レタスに種ができてきた。
The lettuce has started going to seed.
Descriptive phrase: 'the flowers finish and turn into seeds'. Natural in gardening contexts.
Describing a person, place, or thing that has become shabby, neglected, or past its prime.
Means 'to become completely worn out/shabby'. Fits the figurative sense well for people or things.
彼もすっかりくたびれてしまったね。
He's really gone to seed, hasn't he?
The direct translation 「種に行く」 is not used in Japanese. Use the phrases above depending on whether you mean plants or figurative decline.
花が終わって種になる前に収穫しよう。
Let's harvest before the flowers go to seed.
Formal or technical term for bearing fruit/seeds. Used in botanical or agricultural writing.
この植物は夏に結実する。
This plant goes to seed in summer.
Idiomatic: 'a shadow of one's former self'. Emphasizes dramatic decline in appearance or state.
あの公園は見る影もなくなった。
That park has really gone to seed.
For places or things becoming neglected, overgrown, or run-down. Often used for gardens, buildings, or skin.
庭がすっかり荒れてしまった。
The garden has completely gone to seed.
Specifically for a person's decline in fortune or social standing, often with a nuance of fallen from grace.
彼は落ちぶれてしまった。
He has gone to seed.