Translation guide
The English word 'herd' can refer to a group of animals or the act of gathering and guiding them. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both meanings, from common terms to more specific or niche options.
Referring to a group of animals, especially large mammals like cattle, deer, or elephants.
The most general and common word for a group of animals, including herds, flocks, schools, and packs. Works for many animals.
A herd of cattle is moving across the grassland.
We spotted a herd of zebras.
A slightly more formal or literary term for a group or herd of animals. Often used in written descriptions.
A herd of wild horses appeared on the plain.
Suffix or standalone noun meaning 'group' or 'herd'. Often used in compounds or technical contexts.
A herd of elephants gathered at the watering hole.
Specifically refers to a herd of livestock or domesticated animals. Used in agricultural contexts.
Managing the herd is an important task for the rancher.
The action of gathering, guiding, or driving animals together.
General verb meaning 'to drive' or 'to herd' animals. Often used with a direction or destination.
Herd the sheep to the pasture.
The dog is herding the cattle.
To herd or drive animals into an enclosure or confined area. Implies forcing them into a specific place.
To drive or herd animals, often with a sense of urgency or haste. Can also mean to spur on.
Literally 'to bring the herd together', meaning to gather and control a group of animals.
The sheepdog is herding the flock.
Using 'herd' metaphorically to describe a large, undifferentiated group of people, often with a negative connotation.
Means 'crowd' or 'throng', often used for a large, anonymous group of people. Can carry a nuance of mindless mass.
He refused to follow the herd.
Refers to the general public or masses. Often used in contexts of popular opinion or behavior.
A four-character idiom meaning 'to follow the herd blindly' or 'to jump on the bandwagon'. Emphasizes mindless conformity.
群れ (mure) is the most common and versatile word for animal groups. 一群 (ichigun) is slightly more formal and often used in writing. 群 (gun) is more technical and often appears in compounds. For everyday speech, 群れ is the safest choice.
The English loanword ハード (hādo) means 'hard' (as in difficult or hardware) and is not used for 'herd'. Avoid this false friend.
The herd of elephants crossed the river.
The cowboy herded the cattle into the corral.
牛を囲いに追い込む。
Herd the cattle into the pen.
They herded the horses over the hill.
大衆の意見に流されやすい。
It's easy to be swayed by the herd mentality.
Don't just follow the herd; have your own opinion.