Translation guide
The English word 'ox' refers to a castrated male bovine used for draft work or meat. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through specific terms depending on context, but the most common and useful word is 雄牛 (おうし), meaning 'bull' or 'ox' in general. For learners, it's important to know that Japanese often uses broader terms like 牛 (うし) for cattle, and the specific term for a castrated draft ox is less common in everyday conversation.
The learner wants to refer to an ox in a general sense, without specifying castration or use.
This is the standard word for 'bull' or 'ox'. It can be used for any male bovine, including castrated ones. It's the safest choice for most contexts.
There is a big ox on that farm.
This specifically means 'castrated bull' or 'ox'. It's more technical and used in agricultural or veterinary contexts.
去勢牛は農作業に使われる。
Oxen are used for farm work.
The generic word for 'cattle' or 'cow'. In context, it can refer to an ox, especially when the gender is clear or unimportant. Often used in compounds.
牛が畑を耕している。
The ox is plowing the field.
The learner wants to emphasize the working role of an ox, such as pulling carts or plowing.
Means 'work cattle' or 'draft ox'. It specifically refers to oxen used for labor.
昔は役牛が交通手段だった。
In the past, oxen were a means of transportation.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'an ox pulling a cart'. It's natural when you want to describe the action.
荷車を引く牛が道を歩いている。
An ox pulling a cart is walking down the road.
The learner wants to refer to the meat of an ox, often in culinary contexts.
The general word for 'beef'. It doesn't specify the animal's gender or castration, but it's the standard term for meat from cattle, including oxen.
この牛肉は柔らかい。
This ox meat is tender.
Literally 'bull/ox meat'. It's rarely used; 牛肉 is sufficient in almost all cases.
雄牛肉は少し硬いことがある。
Ox meat can be a bit tough.
The learner wants to refer to the ox as a zodiac sign or in traditional symbolism.
While 去勢牛 is the precise term for a castrated ox, it's technical and rarely used in daily conversation. In most cases, 雄牛 or simply 牛 is more natural. Use 去勢牛 only when the castration is specifically relevant, such as in veterinary or agricultural discussions.
Japanese often uses 牛 (うし) as a generic term for cattle, regardless of gender. If the context makes it clear you're talking about a working animal, 牛 can be understood as 'ox'. For example, 'ox cart' is 牛車 (ぎっしゃ or うしぐるま).