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.
犬が交尾している。
The dogs are mating.
交尾の後、メスは卵を産む。
After mating, the female lays eggs.
A more technical or formal term for copulation, often used in scientific contexts.
昆虫の交接行動を観察する。
Observe the mating behavior of insects.
The process of animals producing offspring, often in a controlled or agricultural context.
Refers to breeding or propagation. Broader than just the act of mating; includes the entire reproductive process.
この鳥は春に繁殖する。
This bird breeds in spring.
繁殖期になると、オスはメスを呼ぶ。
During the breeding season, males call for females.
Biological reproduction. More formal and scientific than 繁殖.
The specific time of year when animals mate.
Breeding season. The most common way to refer to the mating period.
繁殖期のオスは攻撃的になる。
Males become aggressive during the mating season.
Mating season, specifically emphasizing the act of copulation. Less common than 繁殖期.
The act of forming a pair for reproduction, not necessarily the physical act.
To form a pair (of animals). Often used for birds or animals that mate for life.
ツルは一度つがいになると一生離れない。
Once cranes pair up, they stay together for life.
To become a pair. More casual and modern, often used in contexts like pets or zoo animals.
このペンギンは去年ペアになった。
These penguins paired up last year.
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.
生殖行動は種によって異なる。
Reproductive behavior varies by species.
When the mating season begins, males chase females.