Refers to milk in general, including breast milk and animal milk. Common in compounds like 牛乳 (cow's milk).
赤ちゃんに乳をあげる時間だ。
It's time to give the baby milk.
This cheese is made from fresh milk.
Refers to the breast, especially in the context of nursing or anatomy. Can be used for both humans and animals.
母親は赤ん坊に乳を含ませた。
The mother gave the baby her breast.
牛の乳からミルクを搾る。
Milk is drawn from the cow's udder.
Only with reading ち
Rare reading ち used for a loop or ring, often in traditional or technical contexts.
この飾り結びは乳の形をしている。
This decorative knot is shaped like a loop.
decorative bump on a hanging bell
Only with reading ち
Rare reading ち used specifically for the raised decorative bumps on a bonshō (梵鐘, large hanging bell).
See also: 梵鐘
梵鐘の乳は、音響を整える役割もあると言われる。
The bumps on a temple bell are said to also help adjust the sound.
The farmer milks the cow every morning.
She exposed her breast to nurse the baby.
The kitten is drinking its mother's milk.
As feeding time approaches, her breasts become engorged with milk.
After giving birth, she started producing milk.
Metaplexis japonica; rough potato
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially when the intended meaning is clear from context.