How to say "kernel" in Japanese

• たねJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounCovers the literal, physical sense: the kernel of a grain, or the seed or stone inside a fruit such as a peach. It is not used for figurative senses of 'kernel'.
  蒔まかぬ種たねは生はえない。↗

  You must sow before you can reap.
• 中核ちゅうかくCommon
  nounUsed when 'kernel' means the central, most important part of an organization, group, or system—the nucleus or core around which everything else is arranged, rather than the crux of an issue.
• 核心かくしんCommon
  nounThis is the word for the figurative 'kernel' of a matter: the essential point, the heart of the problem, or the kernel of truth in a claim. Think 'crux', not 'seed'.
  これがその問題もんだいの核心かくしんである。↗

  This is the core of the problem.

For a literal kernel—the seed or stone inside a fruit or grain—use 「たね」; for the central core of an organization or system use 中核; for the crux or heart of a matter use 核心.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• たねseed (e.g. of a plant)
• 中核ちゅうかくkernel
• 核心かくしんcore
• カーネルkernel (of an operating system)
• 穀粒こくりゅうkernel
• 精髄せいずいessence
• 仁じんkernel
• 核かくkernel