Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'rice field' depends on whether the field is flooded (paddy) or dry, and on the stage of cultivation. The most common term is 田 (た), referring to a flooded rice paddy, which is the typical image of a rice field in Japan.
The typical rice field with standing water, used for growing wet rice.
General word for a flooded rice paddy. This is the standard term and the most common translation for 'rice field'.
田に水を引く。
Irrigate the rice field.
田植えの季節だ。
It's the season for rice planting.
Literally 'water field', emphasizing the flooded nature. Often used in agricultural or technical contexts.
この地域は水田が広がっている。
This area is covered with rice paddies.
Colloquial term for a rice paddy, often used in everyday conversation. Slightly more casual than 田.
子供の頃、田んぼで遊んだ。
I played in the rice paddies as a child.
A field where rice is grown without flooding, or a field that is normally dry but used for rice.
General word for a dry field, used for upland rice or other crops. When referring to a dry rice field, you can specify 陸稲 (おかぼ, upland rice) or use 畑 in context.
ここでは陸稲を畑で育てている。
Here they grow upland rice in dry fields.
Specifically a dry rice field, but less common. 畑 is more natural in most contexts.
陸田で稲を作る。
Grow rice in a dry field.
Referring to the aesthetic or traditional view of rice terraces or paddies.
Rice terraces, often on hillsides. A common sight in rural Japan and a tourist attraction.
棚田の風景は美しい。
The scenery of the rice terraces is beautiful.
田 (た) specifically implies a flooded paddy. If the field is not flooded, use 畑 (はたけ) or specify the crop.
The word 稲 (いね) refers to the rice plant itself, not the field. 田 is the field where 稲 is grown.
Rural landscape with fields, often including rice paddies. Used to describe idyllic countryside views.
日本の田園風景を描いた絵。
A painting depicting the rural landscape of Japan.