Translation guide
The English word "cock" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a male chicken (rooster), a valve for controlling flow, and the vulgar slang for penis. The vulgar meaning is highly context-sensitive and often avoided in polite conversation.
Referring to a male domestic fowl, especially in farming or idiomatic contexts.
The cock crowed at dawn. · We keep a cock and a few hens.
Standard word for a rooster. Used in general contexts.
雄鶏が朝早く鳴いた。
The rooster crowed early in the morning.
General word for chicken; can refer to either sex, but often implies rooster in context. Less specific than 雄鶏.
Bantam rooster; a small breed. Not a general term.
チャボの雄は気が強い。
The bantam rooster is aggressive.
A device to start or stop the flow of liquid or gas.
Turn the gas cock off. · The water cock is leaking.
Loanword from Dutch 'kraan', commonly used for gas or water valves. Often found in kitchens or on gas cylinders.
ガスのコックを閉めてください。
Please turn off the gas cock.
水道のコックが壊れた。
The water faucet broke.
General word for stopper, plug, or valve. Can be used for bottles, bathtubs, or pipes.
ガス栓をひねる。
Turn the gas valve.
Loanword from English 'valve'. More technical, used in engineering or plumbing.
Vulgar term for the male sexual organ. Use with extreme caution; many alternatives exist depending on context and politeness level.
He grabbed his cock. · Suck my cock.
Common vulgar slang for penis. Very informal, used among close male friends or in crude jokes. Not for polite company.
Highly offensive in formal or mixed company. Equivalent to 'dick' or 'cock'.
ちんこがかゆい。
My dick itches.
Another vulgar slang term, similar to ちんこ. Slightly more childish or playful.
ちんぽを見せろ。
Show me your cock.
Literary or medical term for penis. Not used in everyday speech.
In most situations, it's better to use vague terms like あそこ (that place) or 男性器 (male organ) if you must refer to it. Often, the topic is simply avoided.
あそこが痛いんです。
It hurts down there.
Additional meanings like a weather vane, a leader, or a pile of hay. These are uncommon and mostly historical or dialectal.
Weather vane shaped like a rooster. Literally 'wind-looking chicken'.
屋根の上に風見鶏がある。
There is a weathercock on the roof.
A haycock; a small pile of hay. Rarely used in modern English.
畑に干し草の山がいくつかある。
There are several haycocks in the field.
The slang meaning 'penis' is extremely vulgar and should be avoided in all but the most informal, private settings. Using it in public or with strangers can cause serious offense. When in doubt, do not use it.
その言葉は使わないほうがいいですよ。
You shouldn't use that word.
The loanword コック only means valve/faucet, not rooster. For the bird, use 雄鶏. Context usually makes it clear, but be aware of the homophony with the vulgar slang コック (which can also mean penis in some contexts, though less common).
夜明けに雄鶏が鳴いた。
The cock crowed at dawn.
ガスのコックを閉めて。
Turn off the gas cock.
うちの鶏は毎朝うるさい。
Our chicken is noisy every morning.
Turn this valve and water will come out.
古代の男根崇拝。
Ancient phallus worship.