Translation guide
The act of a baby or young animal feeding on milk from the breast or teat. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific verbs and nouns depending on whether the focus is on the baby, the mother, or the act itself.
Describing the action of a baby or young animal drinking milk from the mother.
Noun meaning breastfeeding or nursing. Often used in medical or childcare contexts. Can refer to the act from the mother's perspective.
Referring to a baby animal that has not yet been weaned.
授乳 is a formal term often used in medical or informational contexts, while おっぱいを飲む is the everyday expression used by parents and children. Use 授乳 when discussing breastfeeding as a topic, and おっぱいを飲む when describing the action casually.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'suckling'. Translating directly as '吸うこと' (sucking) is unnatural. Choose the appropriate expression based on context: the act, the baby, or the animal.
Please be quiet during breastfeeding.
Casual phrase meaning 'to drink breast milk'. 'おっぱい' is a child-friendly word for breast/milk. Commonly used in everyday conversation.
The baby is suckling.
More literal phrase meaning 'to drink milk'. Can be used for animals or humans, but 'おっぱいを飲む' is more common for babies.
The puppy is suckling from its mother.
Noun meaning suckling or lactation, often used in biological or zoological contexts. Also used in terms like 哺乳類 (mammals).
Suckling behavior is a characteristic of mammals.
Noun meaning suckling child or unweaned infant. Can be used for human babies or young animals.
a mother with a suckling infant
Means puppy, but often implies a suckling puppy when context is clear. Use with 乳飲み (e.g., 乳飲み子犬) for clarity.
The suckling puppy hasn't opened its eyes yet.
Phrase meaning 'not yet weaned'. Used to describe a young animal still dependent on milk.
This kitten is still suckling.