Translation guide
The English word "culture" covers several distinct concepts. This guide breaks them down into practical meanings and shows how to express each naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the shared customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or group.
The most common and direct translation for 'culture' in this sense. Used for national, regional, corporate, or group culture.
Japanese culture is very unique.
It took time to get used to the company culture.
Refers specifically to customs and traditions, often with a historical or regional focus. More concrete than 文化.
Unique customs remain in this region.
Means 'tradition'. Use when emphasizing the historical continuity of cultural practices.
This festival is based on an old tradition.
Referring to activities related to the arts and intellectual achievement, often considered high culture.
Also used for this sense. Often appears in compounds like 文化活動 (cultural activities) or 文化施設 (cultural facilities).
He actively participates in cultural activities.
Means 'art' or 'the arts'. Use when specifically talking about fine arts, music, theater, etc.
Referring to the cultivation of bacteria, tissue cells, etc., in a laboratory.
Referring to the growing of plants or crops.
Referring to a person's refined understanding and appreciation of arts, manners, etc.
文化 (ぶんか) refers to the broader concept of culture as a social phenomenon (customs, arts, etc.). 教養 (きょうよう) refers to an individual's cultural refinement and education. Saying 彼は文化がある is unnatural; use 彼は教養がある instead.
In scientific or agricultural contexts, 文化 is not used. Use 培養 (ばいよう) for bacteria/cells and 栽培 (さいばい) for plants.
この都市は芸術の中心地として知られている。
This city is known as a center of arts and culture.
The culture medium needs to be replaced.
真珠の養殖はこの町の主要産業です。
Pearl culture is the main industry of this town.
彼女は文化的な家庭で育った。
She grew up in a cultured family.