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.
トウモロコシを収穫する。
Harvest maize.
トウモロコシの缶詰を買った。
I bought a can of maize.
Loanword from English 'corn'. Often used in compound words or food contexts, like corn soup or cornflakes.
コーンスープが好きです。
I like corn soup.
Referring specifically to the maize plant, not the grain.
Same word as for the grain; context distinguishes plant vs. grain.
畑にトウモロコシが植えてある。
Maize is planted in the field.
Referring to the sweet variety eaten as a vegetable.
Specifically sweetcorn. Common in supermarkets and recipes.
スイートコーンを茹でる。
Boil sweetcorn.
Technical term for sweetcorn varieties. Rarely used in daily conversation.
甘味種トウモロコシは糖度が高い。
Sweetcorn varieties have high sugar content.
Referring to maize used for popping.
Popcorn. The snack itself, or the unpopped kernels.
映画を見ながらポップコーンを食べる。
Eat popcorn while watching a movie.
Technical term for popping corn. Not used in everyday language.
爆裂種トウモロコシは加熱すると弾ける。
Popping corn pops when heated.
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.
Kanji form of トウモロコシ. Rarely used; mostly in botanical or literary contexts.
玉蜀黍はイネ科の植物です。
Maize is a plant of the grass family.