Translation guide
The English word "embryo" refers to an early stage of development, primarily in biology. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 胚 (hai), but depending on context, other terms like 胎児 (taiji) for human embryos or 胚子 (haishi) may be used. This guide covers the main biological sense and a few extended uses.
Referring to an organism in its early stages of development, especially before it becomes a fetus or hatches.
The standard biological term for an embryo in plants and animals. Used in scientific contexts.
The embryo is in the early stages of development.
Also means embryo, often used interchangeably with 胚, but can specifically refer to the stage after the blastula in animals.
胚子の段階で異常が見つかった。
An abnormality was found at the embryo stage.
Specifically referring to a human embryo during pregnancy, usually up to 8 weeks after fertilization.
Commonly used for a human embryo or fetus. While 胎児 can refer to both embryo and fetus, it is the standard term in medical and everyday contexts for the developing human after implantation.
胎児の成長は順調です。
The embryo's growth is progressing well.
Literally 'human embryo', used in scientific or technical discussions to be precise.
人間の胚の研究は厳しく規制されている。
Research on human embryos is strictly regulated.
Describing an idea, project, or movement that is just beginning to develop.
Means 'the germ/bud of ~', used metaphorically for the earliest stage of something. Often used in formal or literary contexts.
その計画はまだ萌芽の段階だ。
The plan is still in its embryonic stage.
Literally 'early stage', a more general and neutral way to express that something is in its infancy.
その技術はまだ初期段階にある。
The technology is still in its embryonic stage.
胚 (hai) is the general biological term for embryo across species. 胎児 (taiji) specifically refers to a mammalian embryo/fetus developing in the womb, and is the common term in human pregnancy contexts. In everyday conversation about human pregnancy, 胎児 is preferred over 胚.
When using 'embryo' figuratively, do not directly translate it as 胚. Instead, use phrases like 萌芽 (houga) or 初期段階 (shoki dankai) to sound natural.