Translation guide
The English word 'maize' refers to the grain crop also known as corn. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is トウモロコシ, but there are also related terms for the plant, the food, and specific varieties.
Referring to maize as a crop, grain, or food in general.
The standard word for maize/corn. Used for the plant, the grain, and food products.
Harvest maize.
I bought a can of maize.
Loanword from English 'corn'. Often used in compound words or food contexts, like corn soup or cornflakes.
I like corn soup.
Referring specifically to the maize plant, not the grain.
Referring to the sweet variety eaten as a vegetable.
Referring to maize used for popping.
トウモロコシ is the native Japanese word and is used in most contexts. コーン is a loanword often used in compound words (e.g., コーンスープ, コーンフレーク) or when referring to corn as an ingredient in Western-style dishes. In general, トウモロコシ is safer and more natural.
Maize is a plant of the grass family.