Translation guide
The English word "ground" has many meanings, from physical earth to reasons and electrical connections. This guide organizes the most useful Japanese expressions by meaning, helping you choose the right word for the context.
The solid surface of the earth, dirt, or land.
The most common word for the ground as the surface you walk on, or the earth's surface.
The ground is wet.
I sat on the ground.
Refers to soil, dirt, or earth as a substance. Use when emphasizing the material rather than the surface.
Literary or poetic term for the earth or ground, often implying vastness or nature.
The ground shook.
A piece of land used for a specific purpose or belonging to someone.
General term for land, plot, or area. Used for real estate, territory, or a specific location.
Whose ground is this?
I bought a large piece of ground.
Refers to the grounds or premises of a building, such as a school or temple.
Loanword from English, used for sports grounds, playgrounds, or fields.
A foundation or justification for a belief, action, or argument.
The most direct translation for "grounds" as a basis or reason. Often used in formal contexts.
There is no ground for that claim.
legal grounds
General word for reason. Less formal than 根拠, but can be used for grounds in everyday speech.
Pattern meaning "on the grounds of" or "based on." Used to indicate the basis for an action.
Judge on the grounds of evidence.
An area of knowledge, experience, or discussion.
The reference point in an electrical circuit, or a connection to the earth.
Past participle of "grind," meaning reduced to small particles.
To be confined to home or a specific area as a punishment.
While 根拠 is correct for formal grounds, in casual speech using 理由 (reason) is more natural. Avoid directly translating "on the grounds that" as 地面で; use 〜という理由で or 〜に基づいて.
地面 is the surface you stand on. 土地 is a plot of land (real estate). 土 is soil/dirt. Choose based on whether you mean surface, property, or material.
The ground is covered with snow.
He was fired on the grounds of misconduct.
I need to buy some ground coffee.
It's on the school grounds.
野球のグラウンド
baseball ground
What are the grounds for dismissal?
専門領域
specialized ground
grounding work