Translation guide
The English word 'breed' can refer to a specific variety of domesticated animal, the act of animals reproducing, or the idea of raising or cultivating something. This guide covers the most common and useful Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to a breed of dog, cat, horse, etc.
The standard word for 'breed' or 'variety' of animals or plants. Used in formal and technical contexts.
この犬の品種は何ですか？
What breed is this dog?
珍しい品種の猫を飼っています。
I have a rare breed of cat.
Specifically means 'dog breed'. Common in pet-related contexts.
人気の犬種ランキングを見ました。
I saw a ranking of popular dog breeds.
Specifically means 'cat breed'.
この猫種はとてもおとなしいです。
This cat breed is very gentle.
Refers to 'bloodline' or 'pedigree', often used for purebred animals. More about lineage than the breed name itself.
血統書付きの犬です。
It's a dog with a pedigree.
Animals producing offspring
The most common verb for animals breeding or reproducing. Can be used intransitively (animals breed) or transitively (humans breed animals).
ウサギは繁殖するのが早い。
Rabbits breed quickly.
彼は珍しい鳥を繁殖させている。
He breeds rare birds.
Means 'to raise' or 'to keep' animals. Often implies breeding as part of raising them, but focuses on the care aspect.
彼女は犬を飼育しています。
She breeds/raises dogs.
Specifically means 'to crossbreed' or 'to mate' animals. More technical.
異なる品種を交配する。
Crossbreed different breeds.
To lead to or encourage the development of something, like resentment or violence
Literally 'to give birth', but figuratively means 'to breed' or 'to generate' something like conflict, misunderstanding, etc.
貧困は犯罪を生む。
Poverty breeds crime.
その政策は不満を生んだ。
The policy bred discontent.
Means 'to cause' or 'to bring about'. A more general term for causing negative outcomes.
Means 'to promote' or 'to encourage' the growth of something, often negative. Can be used for breeding bad habits.
甘やかしは怠惰を助長する。
Spoiling breeds laziness.
The word 品種 (hinshu) is only for animals and plants. Using it for humans would be dehumanizing. For human 'breeds' or races, use 人種 (jinshu) or 民族 (minzoku).
繁殖する (hanshoku suru) focuses on the act of reproduction. 飼育する (shiiku suru) focuses on the overall raising and care of animals, which may include breeding. If you want to emphasize the reproductive aspect, use 繁殖する.
誤解が争いを引き起こす。
Misunderstandings breed conflict.