Translation guide
The practice of cultivating land owned by another person in exchange for rent, typically a share of the crop or a fixed payment. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 小作 (kosaku), often in compounds like 小作農 (kosakunō) for 'tenant farmer' or 小作制度 (kosaku seido) for 'the tenant farming system'. The verb 小作する (kosaku suru) means 'to engage in tenant farming'.
Referring to tenant farming as an agricultural system or practice, often in historical or economic contexts.
The standard term for tenant farming. Can be used as a noun or in compounds.
Tenant farming was widely practiced in the Edo period.
Specifically refers to the tenant farming system or institution.
The tenant farming system is based on the relationship between landlords and tenant farmers.
Describing the action of farming rented land.
Referring to a person who farms rented land.
Referring to the land itself that is farmed by a tenant.
Specifically means tenant-farmed land.
The tenant-farmed land in that area was mainly used for rice cultivation.
小作 (kosaku) is the traditional term for tenant farming, often associated with pre-modern Japan. 借地農業 (shakuchi nōgyō) is a more modern, legal term meaning 'agriculture on rented land'. In contemporary contexts, 借地農業 may be used in official documents, while 小作 retains historical connotations.
Modern tenant farming is conducted based on contracts.
Do not translate 'tenant farming' word-for-word as 借家人農業 (shakuyanin nōgyō) or similar. The established term is 小作. Using a literal translation will sound unnatural and may not be understood.
Many farmers made a living by tenant farming.
小作農の生活は厳しかった。
The life of a tenant farmer was harsh.