Translation guide
A small hill or mound. In Japanese, the most common and natural word is 丘 (oka), which covers both 'hill' and 'hillock'. For a very small or man-made mound, 塚 (tsuka) is used, often in historical or cultural contexts. 小山 (koyama) literally means 'small mountain' and can also be used.
A small, natural elevation of land, smaller than a hill.
The standard word for 'hill', also used for a small hill or hillock. It is the most natural choice in most contexts.
あの丘の上に小さな神社があります。
There is a small shrine on top of that hillock.
Sheep are grazing on the slope of the hillock.
Literally 'small mountain', often used for a hillock or low hill, especially in place names or descriptive contexts.
There is a hillock in the park where children climb and play.
A slightly literary phrase meaning 'a slightly elevated hill', emphasizing the small height. Used in descriptive writing.
From the hillock, you can overlook the whole town.
A small man-made mound, often historical or cultural, such as a burial mound.
Refers to a mound, often man-made, such as a burial mound (古墳) or a commemorative mound. It carries historical or cultural connotations.
A cherry tree is planted on the old hillock.
There are small hillocks scattered around this area.
Literally 'piled earth', used for an artificial mound or embankment. More technical or construction-related.
丘 (oka) is the general term for a hill, including small ones. 小山 (koyama) emphasizes the small size and is often used in names or casual description. 塚 (tsuka) specifically refers to a mound, often man-made and with historical significance. For a natural small hill, 丘 is the safest choice.
The English word 'hillock' is relatively rare and literary. In Japanese, there is no exact equivalent that matches its nuance perfectly. Using 丘 is usually sufficient. Overly specific translations like 小丘 (shōkyū) are not common and may sound unnatural.
工事でできた盛り土が丘のようになっている。
The mound of earth from construction looks like a hillock.