Translation guide
The English word 'turf' can refer to grass and soil, a piece of sod, a person's territory or area of expertise, or horse racing. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to a surface of grass with its roots and soil, such as a lawn or sports field.
Common word for a grass lawn or turf area, especially in gardens, parks, or sports fields.
子供たちは芝生の上で遊んでいる。
The children are playing on the turf.
Refers to grass or turf, often used in compound words or when talking about the grass itself.
この公園の芝はよく手入れされている。
The turf in this park is well maintained.
A more formal or technical term for a grassy area or turf.
ゴルフ場の芝地はいつもきれいだ。
The turf at the golf course is always beautiful.
A piece of grass with soil attached, used for transplanting or laying a lawn.
Literally 'a piece of turf', used when referring to a cut piece of sod.
庭に芝生の切れ端を敷いた。
I laid pieces of turf in the garden.
Refers to a mat of turf, often used in gardening or landscaping contexts.
ホームセンターで芝のマットを買った。
I bought a turf mat at the home improvement store.
Loanword from English 'sod', used in specialized gardening or landscaping contexts.
ソッドを敷き詰めて庭を作った。
I created a garden by laying down sod.
A person's or group's home ground, area of control, or domain.
Common word for territory, especially in the context of gangs, animals, or personal domains.
ここは彼の縄張りだ。
This is his turf.
猫は自分の縄張りを守る。
Cats defend their turf.
Loanword from English 'territory', used in similar contexts but slightly more casual or modern.
A subject or activity that someone knows a lot about or is responsible for.
Standard term for one's area of expertise or specialization.
それは私の専門分野です。
That's my turf.
Emphasizes a field one is good at or confident in, similar to 'strong suit'.
数学は彼の得意分野だ。
Math is his turf.
Can mean domain or area, used in academic or formal contexts.
Referring to the sport of horse racing, often used in phrases like 'the turf'.
The general term for horse racing.
彼は競馬が大好きだ。
He loves the turf.
Refers to the horse racing world or industry.
彼は競馬界で有名だ。
He is famous on the turf.
When 'turf' means territory, do not translate literally as 芝生 or 芝. Use 縄張り or テリトリー instead.
ここは俺の縄張りだ。
This is my turf.
He dislikes people entering his turf.
More formal term for sphere of influence or territory, often used in political or business contexts.
その企業は勢力範囲を拡大している。
The company is expanding its turf.
それは私の研究領域です。
That's my research turf.