Translation guide
The English word "grapevine" can refer to the plant itself or to an informal network for spreading rumors or information. This guide focuses on the latter, more common figurative meaning for learners.
Referring to the spread of information through informal, unofficial channels, especially rumors or gossip.
Literally 'mouth communication', this is the most common and natural way to refer to word-of-mouth information, including online reviews and recommendations. It's neutral and widely used.
Referring to the vine on which grapes grow.
The standard term for a grapevine as a plant. Literally 'grape tree/vine'.
庭にぶどうの木を植えた。
I planted a grapevine in the garden.
Refers specifically to the vine or tendril part of the grape plant. 'つる' means vine or creeper.
口コミ is neutral and often positive (e.g., reviews, recommendations), while 噂話 implies gossip or unverified rumors, which can be negative. Use 口コミ for general word-of-mouth and 噂話 when emphasizing the rumor aspect.
Avoid directly translating 'grapevine' as ぶどうのつる when referring to information networks. It will not be understood figuratively in Japanese.
That restaurant became popular through word of mouth.
Means 'rumor' or 'gossip'. It emphasizes the content being spread rather than the channel. Often used when the information is unverified or sensational.
彼女の退職については、いろんな噂話が流れている。
There are all sorts of rumors going around about her resignation.
A phrase meaning 'to hear from someone' or 'through the grapevine'. It emphasizes the indirect, person-to-person transmission.
そのニュースは人づてに聞きました。
I heard that news through the grapevine.
A poetic expression meaning 'a rumor carried by the wind'. It implies hearing something indirectly, often from an unspecified source. More literary or old-fashioned.
風の便りに彼の成功を知った。
I heard of his success through the grapevine.
ぶどうのつるがフェンスに絡まっている。
The grapevine is twining around the fence.