Translation guide
The English word 'plough' (or 'plow') refers to a farming tool used to turn over soil, and by extension, the act of using it or moving through something with force. This guide covers the main Japanese equivalents for the tool, the action, and related figurative uses.
Referring to the agricultural implement used to cut and turn over soil.
General term for a plow. Can refer to various types, from simple hand plows to larger ones.
農家は鋤を使って畑を耕した。
The farmer used a plow to till the field.
Loanword from English, often used for modern or Western-style plows.
Attach the plow to the tractor.
A traditional Japanese plow, often pulled by oxen or horses. Historical/literary term.
In the old days, they plowed the fields with a traditional plow.
Describing the act of turning over soil with a plow.
The most common verb for tilling or plowing soil. Used for fields, gardens, etc.
When spring comes, I will plow the field.
Literally 'to plow with a plow'. Emphasizes the tool used.
He sang a song while plowing with the plow.
Verb specifically meaning 'to plow' or 'to spade', but less common than 耕す. Often used in agricultural contexts.
Describing pushing through a substance or crowd, like a ship plowing through waves or a person plowing through work.
Means 'to push one's way through' something like a crowd, bushes, or snow. Captures the forceful forward motion.
I plowed through the crowd.
The ship plows through the waves.
Means 'to push forward' or 'to forge ahead', often with determination. Can be used for plowing through work or obstacles.
Casual expression meaning 'to make rapid progress', like plowing through a task.
I plowed through my homework.
Referring to a vehicle or device for clearing snow.
耕す (tagayasu) is the general verb for tilling or cultivating soil, and is the most common way to say 'to plow'. 鋤く (suku) specifically means to plow with a 鋤 (suki), but is less frequently used in everyday speech. For most contexts, 耕す is the safer choice.
Avoid directly translating 'plow through' as 耕す (tagayasu) when referring to non-agricultural contexts. Instead, use phrases like かき分けて進む (kakiwakete susumu) for physical movement or どんどん進める (dondon susumeru) for making progress on a task.
The farmer plowed the field.
We need to plow the snow off the driveway.
She plowed through the pile of paperwork.
Plow the rice paddy with a tractor.
Plow the field to soften the soil.
He plowed through the difficulties without hesitation.
Attach a snowplow to the truck.