1.
sowing seeds; seed sowing
the act of planting seeds in soil, either for gardening or agriculture
春に種まきをする。
We sow seeds in spring.
種まきの時期を逃さないようにする。
Make sure not to miss the sowing season.
子供と一緒に朝顔の種まきをした。
I sowed morning glory seeds together with my child.
2.
laying groundwork; planting seeds (figurative)
figuratively, taking early actions that will lead to future results
将来のために種まきをしておく。
Lay the groundwork for the future.
今の努力は成功への種まきだ。
Today's efforts are planting the seeds for success.
新規顧客開拓の種まきとして、各地で説明会を開いた。
As groundwork for acquiring new customers, we held informational sessions in various locations.
USAGE:
Also written as 種蒔き with kanji. The figurative sense (planting seeds for future results) is commonly used in business and personal development contexts.
RELATED TERMS:
- 播種 (sowing - more technical/agricultural term)
- 苗床 (seedbed)
- 発芽 (germination)
- 収穫 (harvest)