Translation guide
The English word "chaff" can refer literally to the husks separated from grain, or figuratively to worthless material, light-hearted teasing, or a radar countermeasure. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
The outer covering of grains like rice or wheat, separated during threshing.
The most common word for grain husks, especially rice husks. Used in agricultural contexts.
Rice husks are used as compost.
A general term for husks, shells, or hulls. Can be used for various grains and seeds.
Remove the wheat husks.
Specifically rice bran, the inner husk layer. Not exactly chaff but often associated.
When polishing rice, bran is produced.
Something of little value, often contrasted with something valuable (like separating wheat from chaff).
Used metaphorically in the same way as English, often in the phrase 'separate the wheat from the chaff'.
Separate the wheat from the chaff.
A direct translation meaning 'worthless things'. Can be used when explaining the concept.
Literally 'dregs' or 'scum', can be used figuratively for worthless residue. Stronger negative connotation.
Playful, good-natured teasing among friends or colleagues.
General term for teasing or making fun of someone in a light-hearted way.
He doesn't mind his friends' chaff.
Means 'joke' or 'jest'. Can be used when the chaff is humorous.
Refers to light, witty banter or chit-chat, often with a teasing edge.
Strips of metal foil released to confuse radar systems.
The loanword チャフ is only used for the radar countermeasure. For teasing, use からかい or 冗談.
The phrase '小麦をもみ殻からより分ける' (separate the wheat from the chaff) is understood in Japanese, but it's less common than in English. You can also use 'ふるいにかける' (to sift) metaphorically.
There is a lot of chaff (worthless information) on the internet.
To be treated like the dregs of society.
それはただの冗談だよ。
That's just chaff (a joke).
彼らは軽口を叩き合った。
They exchanged chaff (banter).
Chaff is used to deceive radar.