Translation guide
The practice of cultivating land, raising crops, and/or livestock. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 農業 (のうぎょう), but other words are used depending on the scale, type, or context.
Referring to farming in a broad, general sense—the business or practice of cultivating land and raising livestock.
The standard, neutral term for agriculture or farming as an industry. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
He runs a farm.
Agriculture is the main industry in this region.
Refers specifically to cultivation and tillage, often with a slightly more technical or historical nuance. Less common in everyday speech.
I'm researching the history of agricultural peoples.
Refers to farming or crop production, but is somewhat dated or literary. Often appears in compound words.
The crops are abundant this year.
Growing vegetables, fruits, or flowers on a small scale, often as a hobby or for self-sufficiency.
A home vegetable garden. Very common for hobby gardening.
On weekends, I grow vegetables in my home garden.
A vegetable garden, slightly more general than 家庭菜園. Can refer to a small farm plot.
A natural phrase meaning 'to grow vegetables'. Often used instead of a noun for 'farming' in casual contexts.
I want to live in the countryside growing vegetables.
Specifically cultivating rice, which is central to Japanese agriculture.
Raising animals for food or other products.
Farming focused on milk production.
Dairy farming. The standard term.
Dairy farming is thriving in Hokkaido.
Farming without synthetic chemicals.
農業 is the most common and general word for farming/agriculture. 農耕 emphasizes cultivation and tillage, often used in historical or technical contexts. 農作 is less common and can sound literary or old-fashioned.
In casual conversation, Japanese often uses verb phrases like 野菜を作る (grow vegetables) or 米を作る (grow rice) instead of a noun like 'farming'. This can sound more natural than trying to find a direct noun equivalent.
裏庭に小さな菜園があります。
There's a small vegetable garden in the backyard.
牧畜が主な収入源です。
Livestock farming is the main source of income.
Organic cultivation, often used for crops specifically.
These vegetables are organically grown.