Translation guide
Inbreeding refers to breeding between closely related individuals. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific terms for biological inbreeding, often with negative connotations. The most common and direct term is 近親交配, used in scientific and general contexts. Related terms cover inbreeding depression and consanguineous marriage.
To refer to the practice or process of breeding closely related individuals, especially in biology, agriculture, or animal husbandry.
The standard term for inbreeding in biological contexts. Used for animals and plants. Neutral in scientific writing but can carry negative implications in general use.
Inbreeding reduces genetic diversity.
This dog breed has health problems due to inbreeding.
Loanword from English, used in technical or academic contexts, especially in genetics and animal breeding. Less common in everyday speech.
Inbreeding is used to fix specific traits.
Abbreviation of 近親交配, used in technical genetics or breeding literature. Not common in general conversation.
Inbred mice are often used in experiments.
To refer to the reduced biological fitness caused by inbreeding.
The standard term for inbreeding depression in genetics and biology.
Inbreeding depression reduces the fitness of a population.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'deterioration due to inbreeding'. Used in general contexts when explaining the negative effects.
To refer to marriage between close relatives, often with social or legal implications.
To describe a situation where a group becomes insular, with ideas or practices becoming stale due to lack of outside influence.
Literally 'closed environment'. Used to describe a group that is isolated and lacks fresh perspectives, similar to the figurative sense of inbreeding.
That company is an insular environment where new ideas are hard to come by.
Refers to the negative effects of family-run businesses, implying inbreeding of management. Used in business contexts.
You can directly use 近親交配的な (inbreeding-like) to describe a closed group, but it's less common and may sound awkward. Better to use descriptive phrases.
This direct translation may not be immediately understood in all contexts. Use with care.
While 近親交配 can be used metaphorically, it is primarily a biological term. For social or organizational 'inbreeding', it's safer to use phrases like 閉鎖的 (insular) or 内向き (inward-looking) to avoid confusion or unintended negative connotations.
That department is inward-looking and doesn't accept outside opinions.
To prevent deterioration from inbreeding, we introduced individuals from outside.
歴史的に、王族の間では近親婚が行われていた。
Historically, consanguineous marriage was practiced among royalty.
A more formal or legal term for consanguineous marriage. Emphasizes blood relation.
Consanguineous marriage may increase genetic risks.
One negative effect of family-run management is rigid decision-making.
That academic circle is in an inbred state.