Translation guide
The act of introducing a substance (like a vaccine) into the body to produce immunity, or more broadly, introducing an idea or influence. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 接種 (せっしゅ) for medical contexts, but other terms exist for specific types or figurative uses.
vaccination / inoculation (medical)
Most common term for routine immunizations.
inoculation (general medical/technical)
Used in compounds or formal contexts.
To express the act of giving a vaccine or other immunizing agent, typically by injection.
The standard medical term for inoculation or vaccination. Often used in compounds like 予防接種 (よぼうせっしゅ, preventive inoculation) or ワクチン接種 (ワクチンせっしゅ, vaccine inoculation).
I got a flu shot.
Specifically smallpox inoculation/vaccination. Historical term, rarely used today except in historical contexts.
To express the act of introducing an idea, attitude, or influence into someone's mind or a group, often with the implication of protection or preparation.
Literally 'to plant an idea'. Used when someone deliberately instills a belief or attitude in another person.
This is a metaphorical extension; not a direct translation of 'inoculation'. Use only when the context is clearly about instilling ideas.
He inoculated the children with the importance of hard work.
A general phrase meaning 'to exert influence'. Can be used in contexts where 'inoculation' is used figuratively to mean exposing someone to a small dose of something to build resistance.
Depending on the nuance, you might use 教え込む (おしえこむ, to instill by teaching), 吹き込む (ふきこむ, to inspire/instill), or 感化する (かんかする, to influence/edify). These are less direct but can capture the figurative sense.
To express the technical process of introducing bacteria, yeast, or other microorganisms into a growth medium (e.g., soil, culture).
The same term as medical inoculation, but used in microbiology and agriculture. Context makes the meaning clear.
Inoculate the soil with rhizobia.
Specifically 'inoculation of bacteria/fungi' into a medium. Used in laboratory or industrial contexts.
The direct loanword イノキュレーション is rarely used and may not be understood. Stick to 接種 or 予防接種 for medical contexts.
予防接種 specifically means preventive inoculation (vaccination), while 接種 is a broader term that can also refer to non-preventive inoculations (e.g., allergy shots, experimental treatments). In everyday conversation about vaccines, 予防接種 is more common.
The inoculation program was successful.
He received an inoculation against tetanus.
Vaccine inoculations have begun.
Please check the child's vaccination schedule.
Literally 'vaccine inoculation'. Used when emphasizing the vaccine itself, especially in news or medical contexts.
COVID-19 vaccine inoculations are progressing.
Smallpox inoculation spread during the Edo period.
Early education inoculates a child's character development with positive influences.
He inoculated his apprentice with the spirit of craftsmanship.
We inoculated the agar medium with E. coli.