Translation guide
A young plant grown from seed, before it matures. In Japanese, the most common word is 苗 (なえ), but there are other terms depending on context, such as 実生 (みしょう) for non-grafted seedlings and 芽生え (めばえ) for sprouting plants.
The speaker wants to refer to a young plant that has been grown from seed, typically before transplanting or full maturity.
The most common and general word for seedling, especially in gardening and agriculture. Refers to a young plant raised from seed and intended for transplanting.
トマトの苗を買ってきた。
I bought some tomato seedlings.
苗を畑に植える。
Plant seedlings in the field.
Specifically a tree seedling or sapling. Used for young trees grown from seed.
桜の苗木を庭に植えた。
I planted a cherry tree seedling in the garden.
A seedling grown from seed, especially in contrast to grafted or cloned plants. Often used in horticulture and bonsai.
このバラは実生から育てた。
This rose was grown from a seedling.
The speaker wants to emphasize the very early stage of growth, when the plant has just emerged from the seed.
Refers to a sprout or newly germinated seedling. Often used poetically or for the first visible growth.
春になると、庭にいろいろな芽生えが見られる。
In spring, you can see various seedlings sprouting in the garden.
A bud or sprout; can refer to a seedling when it first appears. Very common but broader than just 'seedling'.
種から芽が出た。
A seedling sprouted from the seed.
苗 (なえ) is the general term for any seedling, often vegetable or flower seedlings. 苗木 (なえぎ) specifically means a tree seedling or sapling. 実生 (みしょう) is a technical term for a seedling grown from seed, emphasizing that it is not grafted.
種子 means 'seed', not 'seedling'. Be careful not to confuse them.