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.
近親交配は遺伝的多様性を減少させる。
Inbreeding reduces genetic diversity.
この犬種は近親交配によって健康問題が生じている。
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.
インブリーディングは特定の形質を固定するために用いられる。
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.
近交系マウスは実験によく使われる。
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.
近交弱勢は集団の適応度を低下させる。
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.
近親交配による劣化を防ぐため、外部から個体を導入した。
To prevent deterioration from inbreeding, we introduced individuals from outside.
To refer to marriage between close relatives, often with social or legal implications.
The standard term for marriage between close relatives. Used in legal, social, and medical contexts. Often carries negative connotations.
近親婚は多くの国で法律で禁止されている。
Consanguineous marriage is prohibited by law in many countries.
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.
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.
その会社は閉鎖的な環境で、新しいアイデアが生まれにくい。
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.
同族経営の弊害として、意思決定の硬直化が挙げられる。
One negative effect of family-run management is rigid decision-making.
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.
その学界は近親交配的な状態だ。
That academic circle is in an inbred state.
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.
あの部署は内向きで、外部からの意見を取り入れない。
That department is inward-looking and doesn't accept outside opinions.
A more formal or legal term for consanguineous marriage. Emphasizes blood relation.
血族結婚は遺伝的リスクを高める可能性がある。
Consanguineous marriage may increase genetic risks.