Translation guide
The English word "famine" refers to a severe shortage of food affecting a large population. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 飢饉 (ききん), but there are also related terms for starvation and food scarcity. This guide covers how to express the concept naturally in Japanese.
Referring to a large-scale famine affecting a region or country.
The standard word for famine. Can be used in both formal and everyday contexts.
The country was hit by a severe famine.
Many people died due to the famine.
Literally 'food shortage'. A more general term that can refer to less severe shortages, but often used in the context of famine.
The drought caused a food shortage.
Great famine, used for historically significant famines.
The Great Tenmei Famine occurred during the Edo period.
Focusing on the state of starving, rather than the event of famine.
Using 'famine' metaphorically to describe a severe lack of something non-food.
Attach 不足 to a noun to indicate a shortage. Not specifically famine, but the natural way to express scarcity.
The water shortage is serious.
We are suffering from a talent shortage.
Literally 'famine of ~', used figuratively but less common than 不足.
We are in an information famine.
飢饉 (ききん) refers to the event or condition of famine affecting a population, while 飢餓 (きが) refers to the state of starvation or hunger itself. Use 飢饉 for historical or large-scale famines, and 飢餓 when talking about the physical condition of starving.
In English, 'famine' can be used hyperbolically (e.g., 'a famine of good movies'). In Japanese, 飢饉 is almost always literal and serious. For minor shortages, use 不足 (ぶそく) instead.
The famine caused widespread suffering.
They are working to prevent famine in the region.
Many people starved to death.