Translation guide
Expresses a harvest that is small, of low quality, or has failed. Japanese uses different terms depending on whether the yield is low, the quality is bad, or the crop has completely failed.
The amount harvested is less than usual or expected.
General term for a poor harvest or crop failure due to weather or other conditions. Commonly used in news and conversation.
This year we had a poor harvest due to bad weather.
A very bad harvest, often implying serious crop failure or famine. Stronger than 不作.
The rice crop failed because of the cool summer.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'the harvest is small'. Natural in everyday speech.
We're in trouble because the harvest is small this year.
The harvested crops are of low quality, damaged, or not marketable.
No usable harvest at all.
不作 is a general term for a poor harvest, while 凶作 implies a severe failure, often leading to food shortages. In everyday conversation, 不作 is more common.
In a year of poor harvest, farmers' income decreases.
In the Edo period, famines occurred due to severe crop failures.
The vegetables are poor quality due to lack of sunlight.
The typhoon destroyed the rice paddies, so this year's harvest is zero.