Translation guide
The English word "ground" has many meanings, from physical earth to reasons and electrical connections. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by meaning, helping you choose the right word for the context.
The solid surface of the earth, dirt, or land.
The most common word for the ground as the surface you walk on, or the earth's surface.
Refers to soil, dirt, or earth as a substance. Use when emphasizing the material rather than the surface.
Literary or poetic term for the earth or ground, often implying vastness or nature.
大地が揺れた。
The ground shook.
A piece of land used for a specific purpose or belonging to someone.
General term for land, plot, or area. Used for real estate, territory, or a specific location.
この土地は誰のものですか？
Whose ground is this?
広い土地を買った。
I bought a large piece of ground.
Refers to the grounds or premises of a building, such as a school or temple.
Loanword from English, used for sports grounds, playgrounds, or fields.
A foundation or justification for a belief, action, or argument.
The most direct translation for "grounds" as a basis or reason. Often used in formal contexts.
その主張には根拠がない。
There is no ground for that claim.
法的根拠
legal grounds
General word for reason. Less formal than 根拠, but can be used for grounds in everyday speech.
Pattern meaning "on the grounds of" or "based on." Used to indicate the basis for an action.
証拠に基づいて判断する。
Judge on the grounds of evidence.
An area of knowledge, experience, or discussion.
Means field, area, or domain. Used for academic or professional grounds.
彼は物理学の分野で有名だ。
He is famous in the ground of physics.
Territory or area, also used for a field of study or expertise.
The reference point in an electrical circuit, or a connection to the earth.
Past participle of "grind," meaning reduced to small particles.
To be confined to home or a specific area as a punishment.
Means "forbidden to go out." The closest equivalent to being grounded.
今日は外出禁止だ。
I'm grounded today.
Literally "to be confined to the house." Used for grounding as punishment.
親に家に閉じ込められた。
I was grounded by my parents.
While 根拠 is correct for formal grounds, in casual speech using 理由 (reason) is more natural. Avoid directly translating "on the grounds that" as 地面で; use 〜という理由で or 〜に基づいて.
地面 is the surface you stand on. 土地 is a plot of land (real estate). 土 is soil/dirt. Choose based on whether you mean surface, property, or material.
地面が雪で覆われている。
The ground is covered with snow.
彼は不正行為を理由に解雇された。
He was fired on the grounds of misconduct.
挽いたコーヒー豆を買わないと。
I need to buy some ground coffee.
It's on the school grounds.
baseball ground
What are the grounds for dismissal?
専門領域
specialized ground