Translation guide
A rabbit kept as a pet or raised at home, as opposed to a wild rabbit. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to refer to a domestic rabbit is simply うさぎ (rabbit). There is a specific term 家兎 (かと) used in technical or zoological contexts, but it is rare in everyday speech.
domestic rabbit (pet)
Most common and natural. Add ペットの if you need to emphasize it's a pet.
domestic rabbit (scientific)
Technical term, not for daily use.
Referring to a rabbit that is kept as a pet or lives with humans, in everyday conversation.
The standard word for 'rabbit' in Japanese. In most contexts, it is understood as a domestic/pet rabbit unless specified otherwise. No need to add 'domestic' explicitly.
Our rabbit is very friendly.
The kids are saying they want to keep a rabbit.
Explicitly 'pet rabbit'. Used when you need to clarify it's a pet, e.g., distinguishing from wild rabbits or in contexts like pet shops.
Please tell me what food is suitable for a pet rabbit.
Literally 'raised rabbit'. Less common, but can be used to emphasize that the rabbit is domesticated or bred by humans. Might appear in agricultural or hobbyist contexts.
I'm researching the selective breeding of domestic rabbits.
Referring to the domestic rabbit as a species or in scientific, veterinary, or formal contexts.
The formal, scientific term for 'domestic rabbit' (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus). Used in biology, veterinary medicine, and academic papers. Not used in everyday conversation.
Ethological research on domestic rabbits is advancing.
Alternative technical term, literally 'house rabbit'. Sometimes used in zoological contexts, but 家兎 is more standard.
The domestic rabbit is native to Europe.
In English, we often say 'domestic rabbit' to distinguish from wild rabbits. In Japanese, うさぎ alone usually implies a pet or domestic rabbit in everyday contexts. Adding 家の or 家庭の sounds unnatural. Only use 家兎 in scientific writing.