Translation guide
The English word "breeding" has several distinct meanings. It can refer to the controlled reproduction of animals or plants, a person's upbringing and manners, or the process of producing offspring. This guide breaks down these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
The controlled mating and selection of animals or plants to produce desired traits.
General term for breeding, propagation, or reproduction of animals and plants. Often used in agricultural or biological contexts.
この農場では牛の繁殖を行っています。
This farm is engaged in cattle breeding.
Specifically refers to selective breeding or plant/animal breeding to improve varieties. More technical than 繁殖.
彼は新しい品種の育種に成功した。
He succeeded in breeding a new variety.
Refers to raising or keeping animals, often including breeding as part of the process. Common for livestock or pets.
彼女は犬の飼育と繁殖を仕事にしている。
She makes a living breeding and raising dogs.
Literally 'breed improvement'. Used for deliberate genetic improvement of plants or animals.
この米は品種改良によって収穫量が増えた。
This rice has increased yields through selective breeding.
A person's training in good manners, politeness, and social behavior, often associated with family background.
Refers to one's upbringing or how one was raised. Often used in phrases like 育ちがいい (well-bred) or 育ちが悪い (ill-bred).
彼は育ちがいいから、いつも礼儀正しい。
He is well-bred, so he is always polite.
Discipline, training, or manners taught at home. Often used for children or pets. Implies the result of upbringing.
Means 'cultured' or 'refined'. Implies education and good breeding.
彼は教養があって、話していて楽しい。
He is well-bred and a pleasure to talk to.
A common set phrase meaning 'well-bred' or 'well-raised'. Used to describe someone with good manners.
あの人は育ちがいいね。
That person is well-bred, isn't he?
The biological process of producing young, often used in formal or scientific contexts.
Biological term for reproduction. Used in scientific contexts.
生殖は生物の基本的な機能だ。
Reproduction is a basic function of living organisms.
Also used for general reproduction of animals, but can sound technical or agricultural.
The English phrase 'good breeding' should not be translated word-for-word. Use 育ちがいい or しつけがいい instead. A literal translation like 良い繁殖 would mean 'good reproduction' and sound bizarre.
繁殖 is the general term for propagation. 育種 is selective breeding for improvement. 飼育 is raising/keeping animals, which may include breeding. Choose based on whether you emphasize reproduction, genetic improvement, or animal husbandry.
Her good breeding shows in her speech.
この鳥は春に繁殖する。
This bird breeds in spring.