Translation guide
The English word "graft" has several distinct meanings: a horticultural technique, a medical procedure, hard work (British slang), and corruption. This guide covers the most common uses for learners.
To attach a shoot or bud from one plant onto another so they grow together.
The standard term for grafting in horticulture. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to graft'.
このリンゴの木は接ぎ木で増やしました。
We propagated this apple tree by grafting.
Verb form meaning 'to graft'. Often used in gardening contexts.
桜の枝を台木に接ぎ木する。
Graft a cherry branch onto the rootstock.
A more general verb meaning 'to join' or 'to connect', used specifically for grafting plants.
この枝をあの木に接いでみよう。
Let's try grafting this branch onto that tree.
To transplant living tissue (skin, bone, etc.) from one part of the body to another or from a donor.
General term for transplant, including organ transplants and tissue grafts. Used with する for the verb.
火傷の治療のために皮膚移植を受けた。
I received a skin graft for burn treatment.
Verb form meaning 'to transplant' or 'to graft'.
医師が骨を移植した。
The doctor grafted the bone.
Specifically refers to skin grafting. Often used in medical contexts.
広範囲のやけどには植皮が必要だ。
Extensive burns require skin grafts.
To work hard; effort or labor (informal British English).
Standard Japanese for 'to work very hard'. Not slang, but conveys the meaning naturally.
彼は毎日一生懸命働いている。
He grafts every day.
Implies steady, diligent work. Closer to 'toil' or 'plug away'.
彼女はこつこつ働いて昇進した。
She grafted her way to a promotion.
Noun meaning 'effort' or 'hard work'. Can be used with する.
The use of a position of power for dishonest personal gain, especially bribery.
General term for corruption, especially by public officials. Includes bribery and graft.
その政治家は汚職で逮捕された。
The politician was arrested for graft.
Specifically means 'bribe'. Often used in the context of graft.
Illicit enrichment or illegal accumulation of wealth. A more formal term.
彼は不正蓄財で告発された。
He was indicted for graft.
The Japanese word for horticultural grafting (接ぎ木) is completely different from medical grafting (移植). Using the wrong term can cause confusion. Also, the British slang meaning is not directly translatable; use a phrase like 一生懸命働く instead.
Success depends on graft.
Taking graft is a crime.