Translation guide
The English word "graft" has several distinct meanings: a horticultural technique, a medical procedure, hard work (British slang), and corruption. This guide covers the most common uses for learners.
To attach a shoot or bud from one plant onto another so they grow together.
The standard term for grafting in horticulture. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to graft'.
We propagated this apple tree by grafting.
Verb form meaning 'to graft'. Often used in gardening contexts.
Graft a cherry branch onto the rootstock.
A more general verb meaning 'to join' or 'to connect', used specifically for grafting plants.
Let's try grafting this branch onto that tree.
To transplant living tissue (skin, bone, etc.) from one part of the body to another or from a donor.
General term for transplant, including organ transplants and tissue grafts. Used with する for the verb.
I received a skin graft for burn treatment.
Verb form meaning 'to transplant' or 'to graft'.
The doctor grafted the bone.
Specifically refers to skin grafting. Often used in medical contexts.
To work hard; effort or labor (informal British English).
Standard Japanese for 'to work very hard'. Not slang, but conveys the meaning naturally.
He grafts every day.
Implies steady, diligent work. Closer to 'toil' or 'plug away'.
She grafted her way to a promotion.
Noun meaning 'effort' or 'hard work'. Can be used with する.
The use of a position of power for dishonest personal gain, especially bribery.
General term for corruption, especially by public officials. Includes bribery and graft.
The politician was arrested for graft.
Specifically means 'bribe'. Often used in the context of graft.
Illicit enrichment or illegal accumulation of wealth. A more formal term.
He was indicted for graft.
The Japanese word for horticultural grafting (接ぎ木) is completely different from medical grafting (移植). Using the wrong term can cause confusion. Also, the British slang meaning is not directly translatable; use a phrase like 一生懸命働く instead.
Extensive burns require skin grafts.
Success depends on graft.
Taking graft is a crime.