Translation guide
The activity or industry of hunting whales. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the noun 捕鯨 (ほげい). The verb form 'to whale' or 'to hunt whales' is 捕鯨する or more descriptively 鯨を捕る.
Referring to whaling as a practice, industry, or historical activity.
The standard noun for 'whaling'. Used in formal, academic, and news contexts.
日本は長い捕鯨の歴史を持っている。
Japan has a long history of whaling.
捕鯨問題について議論が続いている。
Debate continues over the whaling issue.
Specifically refers to the whaling industry.
かつて捕鯨業はこの町の主要産業だった。
Whaling was once the main industry of this town.
A more descriptive verb phrase meaning 'to catch/hunt whales'. More common in casual or narrative contexts than 捕鯨する.
昔の人々は手漕ぎ舟で鯨を捕っていた。
People in the old days hunted whales from rowboats.
The verb form 'to whale' or 'to engage in whaling'. Less common than the noun form; often used in formal or technical writing.
その国は調査目的で捕鯨していると主張した。
The country claimed it was whaling for research purposes.
The direct loanword ホエーリング is rarely used in Japanese. Stick with 捕鯨 (ほげい) for natural expression.