百姓
Meanings
Historically a neutral term for agricultural workers, but now often considered sensitive or derogatory. In modern contexts, 農家 (のうか) or 農業従事者 (のうぎょうじゅうじしゃ) are preferred for neutral reference.
In the past, peasants suffered under heavy land taxes.
He was born into a farming family, but now runs a company.
Refers to the occupation or activity of farming itself, often used in compound expressions like 百姓仕事 (ひゃくしょうしごと, farm work).
Farm work starts early in the morning.
Derogatory term for an unsophisticated person from the countryside. Strongly pejorative; avoid in polite conversation.
I got angry when city people treated me like a country bumpkin.
Archaic usage referring to ordinary people, distinct from the nobility or ruling class. Now largely obsolete; the reading ひゃくせい is sometimes used for this sense.
See also: 百姓 (ひゃくせい)
In the Edo period, commoners were clearly distinguished from the samurai.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が百姓をするto work as a farmer; to do farm work
The people of this village have made their living by farming since long ago.
- 〈人〉が百姓になるto become a farmer
My son quit his city job and became a farmer.