Translation guide
In Japanese, a flock of sheep is typically expressed with a counter or collective noun. The most common and natural way is to use the counter 匹 (ひき) for small animals, or the noun 群れ (むれ) meaning 'group' or 'flock'. The choice depends on whether you are counting or describing a group.
a flock of sheep
Referring to a group of sheep in a general sense, without specifying number.
The most natural and common way to say 'a flock of sheep'. 群れ means a group or flock of animals.
There is a flock of sheep in the meadow.
More literary or formal. 一群 means 'a group' or 'a flock'.
A flock of sheep came over the hill.
Specifying the number of sheep in a flock.
Use the counter 匹 (ひき) for small animals like sheep. Replace N with the number.
There are 10 sheep.
There were three sheep in the field.
Alternative word order, placing the number before the noun. Slightly more formal or written.
Five sheep are in the pen.
Emphasizing a large number of sheep, like a big flock or herd.
大群 means 'large flock' or 'horde'. Conveys a sense of a massive group.
A large flock of sheep came down the mountain.
群れ is the everyday word for a group of animals. 一群 is more literary and often implies a single, cohesive group. 大群 emphasizes a very large number, like a horde.
I saw a flock of sheep.
A flock of sheep was quietly grazing.
The road was blocked by a huge flock of sheep.
Sheep are counted with 匹 (ひき), the standard counter for small to medium-sized animals. Larger animals like cows use 頭 (とう). Birds use 羽 (わ).
The shepherd is watching his flock of sheep.
A flock of sheep was grazing in the field.