Translation guide
The English verb 'mow' primarily refers to cutting grass, grain, or similar vegetation using a tool or machine. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 刈る (karu), but the specific word used depends on what is being cut and the method.
To cut grass, especially a lawn, using a mower or scythe.
The general verb for cutting grass, crops, or hair. For lawns, it is the standard term.
To harvest or cut down grain crops like wheat or rice.
To cut down many things at once, often in a violent or forceful manner.
刈る implies cutting with a sweeping motion or a large tool. For cutting with scissors, use 切る (きる) or はさみで切る.
週末に芝生を刈った。
I mowed the lawn on the weekend.
Literally 'do grass cutting'. Often used for cutting grass in fields or larger areas, not necessarily a lawn.
今日は庭の草刈りをした。
I mowed the yard today.
Specifically 'lawn mowing'. Used when emphasizing lawn care.
毎週日曜日に芝刈りをします。
I mow the lawn every Sunday.
To reap or harvest by cutting. Used for grain crops.
農家は小麦を刈り取っている。
The farmers are mowing the wheat.
Can also be used for crops, but 刈り取る is more specific to harvesting.
稲を刈る季節だ。
It's the season to mow the rice.
To mow down, to cut down in a sweeping motion. Often used for people or objects being knocked over.
敵をなぎ倒した。
They mowed down the enemy.