Translation guide
In Japanese, rice cultivation is deeply tied to culture and language. The most common term is 稲作 (inasaku), but other words exist for specific contexts like rice farming as an occupation or wet-rice agriculture.
The general practice of growing rice, especially as an agricultural sector or topic.
The standard term for rice cultivation, referring to the growing of rice plants. Used in both formal and everyday contexts.
日本の稲作は長い歴史があります。
Rice cultivation in Japan has a long history.
稲作農家の高齢化が進んでいます。
The aging of rice farmers is progressing.
Literally 'making rice', this is a more colloquial and concrete term for the process of growing rice. Often used in everyday conversation.
祖父は米作りが上手です。
My grandfather is good at rice cultivation.
A more technical or descriptive phrase meaning 'cultivation of rice plants'. Used in agricultural contexts.
稲の栽培には水が欠かせません。
Water is essential for rice cultivation.
The business or activity of growing rice as a farmer.
Specifically refers to rice farming as an agricultural industry or occupation.
彼は稲作農業で生計を立てています。
He makes a living from rice farming.
Refers to a rice farmer or a rice-farming household. Often used when talking about the people involved.
米農家の収入は天候に左右されます。
Rice farmers' income depends on the weather.
The specific method of growing rice in flooded fields, typical in Asia.
Technical term for paddy rice cultivation, emphasizing the use of irrigated fields.
水田稲作はアジアで広く行われています。
Wet-rice cultivation is widely practiced in Asia.
Refers to the cultivation of lowland (paddy) rice, as opposed to upland rice. Common in agricultural science.
水稲栽培の技術が発展しました。
Techniques for wet-rice cultivation have developed.
稲作 (inasaku) is the formal, standard term for rice cultivation as an agricultural practice or industry. 米作り (komezukuri) is more colloquial and emphasizes the hands-on process of growing rice. Use 稲作 in reports or news, and 米作り in casual talk about farming.