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.
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.
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.
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'.
Additional meanings like a weather vane, a leader, or a pile of hay. These are uncommon and mostly historical or dialectal.
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.
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).
The cock crowed at dawn.
うちの鶏は毎朝うるさい。
Our chicken is noisy every morning.
The bantam rooster is aggressive.
Please turn off the gas cock.
The water faucet broke.
General word for stopper, plug, or valve. Can be used for bottles, bathtubs, or pipes.
Turn the gas valve.
Loanword from English 'valve'. More technical, used in engineering or plumbing.
Turn this valve and water will come out.
My dick itches.
Another vulgar slang term, similar to ちんこ. Slightly more childish or playful.
Show me your cock.
Literary or medical term for penis. Not used in everyday speech.
Ancient phallus worship.
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.
It hurts down there.
Weather vane shaped like a rooster. Literally 'wind-looking chicken'.
There is a weathercock on the roof.
A haycock; a small pile of hay. Rarely used in modern English.
There are several haycocks in the field.
Turn off the gas cock.