種
tane[ta̠ne̞]
The English word "seeds" is translated into Japanese as 種 (tane).
While primarily used for biological seeds, 種 can also be used metaphorically to refer to the source or origin of something, such as the source of a rumor or a problem.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 種 is used for both singular and plural "seed" or "seeds" as Japanese nouns do not typically change form for number.
Did you know?
- In the context of magic tricks, the word 種 (read as tane) is used to describe the secret or the 'trick' behind the illusion.
- The word 種 has two different readings: tane for biological seeds and shu when referring to a species or variety of plant.
- Historically, the word 種 is thought to be related to the word for 'grass', specifically from the idea of something spreading out or growing from a base.
Examples in context
- 蒔かぬ種は生えぬ。If you don't plant the seeds, they won't grow.This sentence is useful for illustrating the proverb about planting seeds.Tatoeba #149675 by small_snow, translation #7497129 by CK
- 果実の中には種がある。Fruits have seeds in them.This sentence is useful for describing the presence of seeds inside fruit.Tatoeba #186808 by tommy__san, translation #23945 by CK
- ひまわりの種買ったの？Did you buy sunflower seeds?This sentence is useful for asking if someone bought sunflower seeds.Tatoeba #8634758 by small_snow, translation #8634752 by Eccles17
- 彼は新しい 種 を開発しました。He developed a new seed.
- この 種子 から美しい花が咲きます。Beautiful flowers will bloom from these seeds.
- この タネ は育つかな？I wonder if these seeds will grow.
- 今日、 種まき をしようか？Shall we do some seed sowing today?
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are preparing a garden together.
- 陽太 Yota結衣、野菜の種はどこにある？Yui, yasai no tane wa doko ni aru?Yui, where are the vegetable seeds?
- 結衣 Yui棚の上に置いてあるよ。Tana no ue ni oite aru yo.They are on the shelf.
- 陽太 Yotaあ、見つけた。この種を植えよう。A, mitsuketa. Kono tane o ueoy.Ah, I found them. Let's plant these seeds.
- 結衣 Yuiいいよ。一緒にやろう。Ii yo. Issho ni yarou.Sure. Let's do it together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 種, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 種, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
