Translation guide
The English word "implantation" covers several distinct concepts: medical insertion of an embryo or device, biological embedding of an embryo in the uterus, and the act of firmly establishing an idea or principle. This guide focuses on the most common Japanese equivalents for each meaning, with an emphasis on natural usage.
To refer to the surgical or medical procedure of placing something (e.g., a pacemaker, artificial joint, tooth implant) into the body.
General term for transplantation or implantation of organs, tissues, or devices. Commonly used for medical implants.
I underwent implantation surgery for an artificial joint.
The pacemaker implantation was successful.
Literally 'embedding'. Often used for devices that are placed under the skin or within the body, like contraceptive implants or microchips.
The implantation of a contraceptive implant is a simple procedure.
Similar to 埋め込み but can imply a more active 'planting' or 'setting in place'. Used for certain medical devices like pacemakers.
We will perform surgery for implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
To describe the process by which a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.
The standard medical and biological term for implantation of an embryo in the uterus.
The fertilized egg implants in about one week.
Implantation bleeding is one of the early signs of pregnancy.
To refer to the act of firmly establishing or instilling something abstract, such as a belief, habit, or institution.
Means 'taking root' or 'becoming established'. Used for ideas, customs, or systems that become firmly accepted.
It takes time to establish a new system in society.
Literally 'to plant'. Figuratively means to instill or implant an idea, feeling, or habit deeply.
Means 'to imprint' or 'to instill through repetition'. Often used for deeply ingrained beliefs or behaviors, sometimes with a negative connotation of brainwashing.
移植 (ishoku) is the broader medical term for transplantation or implantation of organs, tissues, or devices. 埋め込み (umekomi) specifically emphasizes the act of embedding something under the skin or into the body, and is often used for smaller devices like contraceptive implants or microchips. In many contexts, they can be interchangeable, but 移植 is more formal and common in surgical contexts.
Directly translating 'implantation of an idea' as 考えの移植 (kangae no ishoku) sounds unnatural. Use 定着 (teichaku) for establishment of concepts, or 植え付ける (uetsukeru) for instilling ideas.
その考え方はまだ一般に定着していない。
That idea has not yet become widely established.
The spirit of hard work was implanted in me from a young age.
そのイデオロギーは子供たちに刷り込まれた。
That ideology was implanted in the children.