Translation guide
The English word "domestic" covers several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether they mean "within a country," "related to home/family life," or "of a tame animal."
Referring to things that happen inside a country, such as flights, news, or products.
The most common and neutral word for "domestic" in the sense of "within a country." Used for flights, news, markets, etc.
国内線の飛行機に乗ります。
I'll take a domestic flight.
国内ニュースを見ています。
I'm watching domestic news.
A more formal or legal term for "domestic" (within a country). Often used in official documents or economics.
内国消費税が上がった。
The domestic consumption tax has increased.
Describing things connected to the home, household chores, or family matters.
Refers to the home, family, or household. Used in phrases like "domestic life" or "domestic chores."
家庭の事情で会社を辞めました。
I quit my job due to domestic circumstances.
彼女は家庭的な人です。
She is a domestic person (home-loving).
Specifically means "housework" or "domestic chores." Use this when talking about cleaning, cooking, etc.
家事を分担しましょう。
Let's share the domestic chores.
Means "within the household" or "domestic" in the sense of inside the home. Often used for issues like domestic violence.
家庭内暴力が問題になっている。
Domestic violence is a problem.
Describing animals that are kept by humans, such as pets or livestock.
Means "tamed" or "domesticated." Used for animals that have been trained to live with humans.
犬は飼いならされた動物です。
Dogs are domestic animals.
Refers to "livestock" or "domestic animals" raised for agricultural purposes.
家畜を飼育しています。
We raise domestic animals (livestock).
The loanword for "pet." Commonly used for domestic companion animals.
国内 (こくない) is for "domestic" as opposed to "international" (e.g., domestic flights). 家庭 (かてい) is for "domestic" as in "home/family" (e.g., domestic life). Do not confuse them.
The loanword ドメスティック is sometimes used in Japanese, but it often carries a negative connotation (e.g., ドメスティックバイオレンス for domestic violence). Avoid using it as a general translation for "domestic."
I keep a cat as a domestic pet.