Translation guide
The English verb "incorporate" covers several distinct meanings: including something as part of a whole, legally forming a company, and physically blending ingredients. This guide focuses on the most common meaning for learners—adding or including something as a part of something else—and briefly covers the other uses.
To add or include something (an idea, feature, ingredient, etc.) so that it becomes part of a larger thing.
incorporate feedback · incorporate new ideas · incorporate the latest findings
The most common and versatile equivalent. It means to adopt, bring in, or incorporate something (methods, ideas, trends, etc.) into an existing system or practice. Often used for abstract things.
incorporate new technology
He incorporated Western elements into Japanese cuisine.
To build in, embed, or incorporate something as an integral part of a system, plan, or structure. Often used for concrete components or features.
incorporate safety features into the design
This software has a translation function incorporated.
To include something as a part or element. More general than 組み込む, and can be used when the incorporation is less structural.
incorporate the latest data into the report
To incorporate or include (many elements, ideas, requests) into a document, plan, or speech. Often implies packing in a lot of content.
incorporate requests into the plan
To fuse, blend, or integrate different elements into a unified whole. Stronger than 取り入れる, implying a seamless combination. Often used in artistic or cultural contexts.
architecture that incorporates tradition and modernity
To create a legal corporation or officially register a group as an organization.
In cooking, to mix or combine ingredients thoroughly until they form a uniform mixture.
取り入れる is used for adopting external elements (ideas, trends, methods) into a practice or system. 組み込む is used for building something in as a structural part of a design, plan, or system. Use 取り入れる for abstract incorporation and 組み込む for concrete, built-in features.
The English verb "incorporate" is often overused in business or academic contexts. In Japanese, it is usually more natural to use a more specific verb like 取り入れる, 含める, or 組み込む rather than trying to find a single direct equivalent. Avoid directly translating "incorporate" as インコーポレートする, which is rarely used outside of legal/business incorporation.
チョコチップを生地に練り込む
incorporate chocolate chips into the dough