Translation guide
A serf is a medieval European peasant bound to the land and subject to a lord. In Japanese contexts, similar historical statuses exist but differ in details.
To refer to a serf in the context of medieval European feudalism.
The standard term for a serf in European history. Literally 'agricultural slave', but distinct from chattel slavery.
To describe a person in a similar unfree status in Japanese history, such as during the feudal period.
A low-ranking servant or serf-like person in medieval Japan, often bound to a master. Not exactly the same as a European serf but the closest equivalent.
To describe someone who is metaphorically a serf, i.e., trapped in a situation with no freedom.
Literally 'like a slave'. Commonly used to express the idea of being a serf in a figurative sense.
彼は会社の奴隷のように働いている。
He works like a serf for the company.
農奴 (serf) is not the same as 奴隷 (slave). A serf is bound to the land and cannot be sold individually, while a slave is owned as property. In Japanese, 農奴 specifically refers to the European medieval system, whereas 奴隷 is a broader term for slavery.
農奴は土地と共に売買されたが、奴隷は個人として売買された。
Serfs were bought and sold with the land, but slaves were bought and sold as individuals.
When using 'serf' metaphorically in English, a direct translation to 農奴 may sound odd or overly historical. Instead, use phrases like 奴隷のような or 縛られている to convey the sense of being trapped or overworked.
中世ヨーロッパでは、農奴は領主の土地に縛られていた。
In medieval Europe, serfs were bound to the lord's land.
Literally 'tenant farmer'. Can be used for serfs in a broader sense, but lacks the specific unfree status. More common in modern contexts.
その荘園では多くの小作人が働いていた。
Many tenant farmers worked on that manor.
A more technical historical term, literally 'subordinate farmer'. Used in academic contexts.
隷農は法的に自由を制限されていた。
Serfs were legally restricted in their freedom.
戦国時代には、下人たちは領主のために農作業をした。
During the Warring States period, the genin did farm work for their lord.
A term for a servant or follower in medieval Japan, often with hereditary obligations. Similar to a serf in some contexts.
所従は主人に従属し、土地を耕した。
The shojū were subordinate to their master and cultivated the land.
Generally means 'peasant' or 'farmer'. In feudal contexts, many were bound to the land, but the term itself does not imply unfreedom. Use with caution.
百姓 is a broad term for farmers and does not specifically mean serf. It can be misleading if used without context.
江戸時代の百姓は年貢を納めていた。
Peasants in the Edo period paid land taxes.
Means 'to be bound/tied'. Can convey the lack of freedom associated with serfdom.
借金に縛られて、まるで農奴のようだ。
Bound by debt, it's as if I'm a serf.