Translation guide
The animal 'horse' is most commonly 馬 (うま). For horse-related idioms, racing, or metaphorical uses, different expressions apply.
Referring to the animal itself, in general or specific contexts.
The standard word for 'horse'. Used in all contexts.
あの馬はとても速い。
That horse is very fast.
馬に乗ったことがありますか。
Have you ever ridden a horse?
Polite or child-friendly form, often used when speaking to children or in gentle contexts.
お馬さんに人参をあげよう。
Let's give the horse a carrot.
Formal or literary term for 'horse', often used in historical or official contexts.
軍に馬匹を供給する。
Supply horses to the army.
Referring to the sport or activity of horse racing.
The standard term for horse racing as a sport or event.
週末に競馬を見に行く。
I'm going to watch horse racing this weekend.
To bet on a horse race; literally 'buy a horse ticket'.
競馬場で馬券を買った。
I bought a betting ticket at the racetrack.
Referring to horse meat as food.
The standard term for horse meat, commonly eaten in some regions of Japan.
馬肉の刺身は珍味だ。
Horse meat sashimi is a delicacy.
Euphemistic term for horse meat, literally 'cherry blossom meat', due to its pink color.
Using 'horse' in common idioms or proverbs.
Words where 'horse' is part of a compound noun.
Horse-drawn carriage.
観光地で馬車に乗った。
We rode in a horse-drawn carriage at the tourist spot.
Horsepower (unit of power).
このエンジンは200馬力だ。
This engine has 200 horsepower.
Horsemanship, equestrianism.
Stable (for horses).
In English, 'horse' is sometimes used informally for 'horsepower' (e.g., 'This car has 300 horses'). In Japanese, always use 馬力 (ばりき) for the unit; 馬 alone does not carry this meaning.
When speaking to or about children, お馬 (おうま) is common and sounds gentle. Using 馬 (うま) is not impolite, but お馬 adds warmth.
この店では桜肉の鍋が名物だ。
This restaurant is famous for its horse meat hot pot.
忠告も彼には馬耳東風だった。
My advice was like water off a duck's back to him.
Preaching to deaf ears; literally 'a Buddhist prayer in a horse's ear'.
彼に注意しても馬の耳に念仏だ。
Warning him is like talking to a brick wall.
To reveal one's true nature; literally 'expose the horse's legs' (from stage costume).
彼はついに馬脚を露わした。
He finally showed his true colors.
She is an equestrian athlete.
馬小屋の掃除をする。
Clean the stable.