Translation guide
The English word "seed" can refer to a plant seed, the beginning of an idea, or a sports ranking. This guide covers how to express these concepts naturally in Japanese.
The small object produced by a plant from which a new plant grows.
plant a seed · apple seeds · seed packet
The most common and general word for a plant seed. Also used for fruit seeds, pits, and stones.
この種を植えましょう。
Let's plant these seeds.
The cause or starting point of something, often an idea, feeling, or process.
the seeds of doubt · plant the seed of an idea · the seed of the problem
Used figuratively to mean the origin or cause of something, similar to 'seed' in English. Often appears in set phrases.
A player or team's rank in a tournament, often used to ensure top competitors do not meet early.
top seed · seeded player · earn a seed
Loanword from English, used in sports contexts to mean a seeded player or team. Also used as a verb with する.
While 種 (たね) can be used figuratively, it is not always natural. For 'seed of an idea', きっかけ or ヒント might be better. For 'seed of doubt', 疑いの種 is possible but 疑いの原因 or 疑いのきっかけ may sound more natural depending on context.
種 (たね) is the everyday word for seed, while 種子 (しゅし) is formal and technical. Use たね in conversation and しゅし in scientific writing.
スイカの種を取ってください。
Please remove the watermelon seeds.
A more formal or technical term for seed, often used in scientific or agricultural contexts.
この植物は種子で増えます。
This plant propagates by seeds.
Refers to fruit, nuts, or berries, but can sometimes be used for seeds in specific contexts, especially when talking about the seed inside a fruit.
梅の実の種は硬いです。
The seed of a plum is hard.
それが争いの種になった。
That became the seed of conflict.
笑いの種を提供する。
Provide material for laughter (lit. seeds of laughter).
Means trigger, opportunity, or impetus. Often used when something small leads to a larger change, similar to a 'seed' of an idea.
その一言がきっかけで、彼は作家になった。
That one remark was the seed that made him become a writer.
Directly means 'cause'. Can be used when 'seed' means the root cause of a problem.
その誤解が問題の原因だった。
That misunderstanding was the seed of the problem.
彼は第1シードです。
He is the number one seed.
このチームはシードされています。
This team is seeded.
Specifically means 'seeding rights' or the status of being seeded.
彼女はシード権を獲得した。
She earned a seed (seeding rights).