Translation guide
The English word "hedge" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: a row of bushes, avoiding a direct answer, and financial risk reduction. Other niche meanings are omitted.
A line of closely planted shrubs or low trees forming a boundary or fence.
To avoid giving a clear or direct answer to a question; to be evasive.
To protect oneself against financial loss by making balancing or compensating investments.
The standard loanword used in finance for hedging. Often used as a noun or with する.
The English verb "to hedge" in the sense of avoiding a direct answer does not have a direct single-word Japanese equivalent. Using ヘッジする in this context would be unnatural. Use phrases like 言葉を濁す instead.
The standard word for a hedge as a garden feature or boundary. Often implies a neatly trimmed hedge.
庭の周りに生け垣がある。
There is a hedge around the garden.
A more general term for a fence or hedge, often used for traditional Japanese hedges made of various plants.
竹の垣根で囲まれた家。
A house surrounded by a bamboo hedge.
Loanword from English, used in gardening contexts but less common than native terms.
イングリッシュガーデンにはヘッジが欠かせない。
A hedge is essential for an English garden.
Literally 'to muddy one's words'. The most natural way to say someone is hedging or being evasive in speech.
彼は質問に答えず、言葉を濁した。
He hedged and didn't answer the question.
Simply means 'not say clearly'. A straightforward way to describe hedging.
彼女ははっきり言わずに、話をそらした。
She hedged and changed the subject.
To give a vague reply. Useful when someone is non-committal.
彼はあいまいな返事をして、その場をしのいだ。
He hedged with a vague reply and got through the moment.
Literally 'to run away'. Can be used metaphorically for evading a question, but is more direct and less subtle.
彼は質問から逃げた。
He hedged the question.
為替リスクをヘッジする。
Hedge against exchange rate risk.
Literally 'avoid risk'. A more general term that can be used in financial contexts.
投資家はリスクを回避するために分散投資を行う。
Investors diversify to hedge their risks.
Literally 'to take out insurance'. Metaphorically used for hedging, but less precise in finance.
彼らは価格変動に保険をかけた。
They hedged against price fluctuations.