How to say "seed" in Japanese

• たねJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe everyday word for a plant's seed, also covering pips, kernels, and stones such as a peach's. Your default choice when talking about planting or eating fruit.
  蒔まかぬ種たねは生はえない。↗

  You must sow before you can reap.
• シードCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbA loanword meaning seed; its typical use is in sports contexts, where it refers to a seeded player or team rather than a plant's seed. Seldom the word you want for actual seeds.
• 種子しゅしCommon
  nounA more formal or technical word meaning seed or pit, found in scientific, agricultural, or written contexts rather than casual conversation about planting.
  例たとえばジャック・パインの松まつかさは、高温こうおんにより影響えいきょうを受うけるまでは自みずから開ひらいて種子しゅしを放出ほうしゅつしない。↗

  The cones of the jack pine, for example, do not readily open to release their seeds until they have been subjected to great heat.
• まくJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThis is a verb meaning to sow, plant, or seed, not a noun. Use it when describing the action of putting seeds in the ground; it is normally written in kana alone.
• 実みJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounMeaning seed, but this reading is chiefly met in fixed expressions and set phrases; for an ordinary seed of a plant, たね is usually the word you want.

Use 「たね」 for seeds, pips, or stones of plants in everyday speech; 種子 and 実 in more technical or fixed uses; 「シード」 mainly as a loanword sense; 「まく」 is the verb 'to sow'.

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

• たねseed (e.g. of a plant)
• シードseed
• 種子しゅしseed
• まくto sow
• 実さねseed (of a fruit)
• 種くさcause
• 種子しゅうじseed
• 種物たねものseed
• シード選手シードせんしゅseeded player
• 実みseed
• 子種こだねsperm
• 施すほどこすto sow