Translation guide
The English word 'bull' primarily refers to a male bovine. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 雄牛 (oushi). However, the word can also appear in idioms, financial contexts, and as a metaphor. This guide covers the main uses.
Referring to a male cow, especially in farming, nature, or general description.
The standard, neutral term for a bull. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
あの牧場には大きな雄牛がいる。
There is a big bull on that farm.
Bulls have sharp horns.
An alternative kanji spelling for 雄牛, using the character 牡 (male animal). Less common but still understood.
Taurus is one of the constellations.
Referring to a financial market where prices are rising or expected to rise.
Referring to the center of a target, especially in archery or darts.
Literally 'center of the target'. A clear, descriptive phrase.
The arrow hit the bull's-eye.
A loanword from English, used in darts and sometimes in other contexts. Recognizable but less natural in general speech.
Aim for the bull's-eye in darts.
Referring to something untrue or exaggerated, similar to 'bullshit' but milder.
Referring to a formal decree issued by the Pope.
The standard term for a papal bull. 教皇 means 'Pope', 勅書 means 'imperial rescript' or 'edict'.
That papal bull was issued in the Middle Ages.
Describing someone who is clumsy or reckless in a delicate situation.
A Japanese idiom meaning 'a crane in a garbage dump', used for something elegant in a rough setting. Not a direct translation but conveys a similar contrast. Use with caution.
This idiom is not a direct equivalent and is rarely used. It may not be understood by all speakers.
He was like a bull in a china shop.
Since there is no exact Japanese idiom, it's often better to describe the behavior: 無神経に振る舞う (behave insensitively) or 乱暴に扱う (handle roughly).
The English idiom 'like a bull in a china shop' has no direct Japanese equivalent. Using a literal translation like 陶器店の中の雄牛 would be confusing. Instead, describe the behavior or use a different Japanese idiom if appropriate.
Both 雄牛 and 牡牛 are read as おうし and mean 'bull'. 雄牛 is more common in modern Japanese, while 牡牛 appears in classical or astrological contexts (e.g., Taurus).
He's talking bull again.
He acted like a bull in a china shop and ruined the delicate situation.