Translation guide
The English word "grains" can refer to cereal crops, individual seeds, or small particles. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Referring to grains as a food category or agricultural product.
General term for cereal grains, used in formal and written contexts.
日本は穀物の多くを輸入している。
Japan imports most of its grains.
Similar to 穀物, often used in nutritional or scientific contexts.
穀類は炭水化物の重要な供給源だ。
Grains are an important source of carbohydrates.
Referring to individual seeds or kernels of grain.
Counter or noun for small round objects like grains of rice. Often used with a number or descriptor.
ご飯粒がテーブルに落ちている。
There are grains of rice on the table.
Technical term for a grain kernel, used in agriculture or food science.
Referring to tiny particles resembling grains.
Same word as for grain seeds; used for any small granular substance.
砂の粒が靴に入った。
Grains of sand got into my shoes.
Using 'grain' metaphorically, as in 'a grain of truth'.
Literal translation of 'a grain of truth', understood but somewhat literary.
彼の話には一粒の真実もない。
There isn't a grain of truth in his story.
More natural way to say 'a grain of truth' using 少し (a little).
その噂には少しの真実も含まれていない。
That rumor doesn't contain a grain of truth.
While 粒 (つぶ) works for individual seeds or particles, it cannot be used for the general concept of grains as a food group. Use 穀物 or 穀類 instead.
This variety has large grains.