godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
Used for scattering seeds onto soil or planting crops. The kana spelling まく is most common.
春になったら庭に花の種をまく。
When spring comes, I'll sow flower seeds in the garden.
農家は田んぼに稲の種をまいた。
The farmer sowed rice seeds in the paddy.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
sow the seeds of; instigate
Figurative use, often in the phrase 種をまく, meaning to cause future trouble or conflict.
See also: 種をまく
彼の無責任な発言が争いの種をまいた。
His irresponsible remarks sowed the seeds of conflict.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
sprinkle powder on lacquerware
Specialized term in traditional crafts; refers to sprinkling gold or silver powder onto wet lacquer, as in 蒔絵 (makie).
See also: 蒔絵
職人が漆器に金粉をまく。
The artisan sprinkles gold powder onto the lacquerware.