Translation guide
The act of pairing for reproduction in animals. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 交尾 (こうび), but other words exist for specific contexts like breeding or mating season.
The physical act of copulation between animals.
The standard biological term for copulation in animals. Neutral and widely understood.
The dogs are mating.
After mating, the female lays eggs.
A more technical or formal term for copulation, often used in scientific contexts.
Observe the mating behavior of insects.
The process of animals producing offspring, often in a controlled or agricultural context.
The specific time of year when animals mate.
The act of forming a pair for reproduction, not necessarily the physical act.
The English word 'mating' can sometimes be used informally for humans, but Japanese 交尾 is strictly for animals. Using it for humans would be extremely rude and unnatural. For human sexual intercourse, use appropriate terms like 性交 (せいこう) or more euphemistic expressions depending on context.
交尾 (こうび) specifically refers to the physical act of copulation. 繁殖 (はんしょく) is broader, encompassing the entire process of breeding and producing offspring. Use 交尾 when focusing on the act itself, and 繁殖 when talking about breeding in general.
During the breeding season, males call for females.
生殖行動は種によって異なる。
Reproductive behavior varies by species.
交尾期に入ると、オスはメスを追いかける。
When the mating season begins, males chase females.