Translation guide
The English word 'farmer' refers to a person who works in agriculture. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 農家 (nouka), which refers to a farming household or a person engaged in farming as an occupation. Other terms like 農民 (noumin) carry historical or class connotations, while 百姓 (hyakushou) can be derogatory. The choice depends on context, formality, and whether you are referring to the individual, the household, or the social class.
The most common, neutral way to refer to a farmer in modern Japanese, suitable for everyday conversation and writing.
This is the standard word for a farmer or a farming family. It can refer to the household as a whole or an individual who runs a farm. It is neutral and widely used.
彼は農家です。
He is a farmer.
この地域には農家が多い。
There are many farmers in this area.
A formal term meaning 'person engaged in agriculture'. Used in official documents, statistics, or news reports. Not used in casual conversation.
農業従事者の高齢化が進んでいる。
The aging of farmers is progressing.
A somewhat literary or old-fashioned word for a male farmer or farm laborer. It can sound rustic or poetic. Rarely used in modern everyday speech.
農夫が畑を耕していた。
The farmer was plowing the field.
When discussing farmers in the context of social hierarchy, history, or political movements, specific terms are used.
Refers to the peasantry or farming class, often in historical or political contexts. It can imply a lower social status and is associated with terms like 農民運動 (peasant movement). Use with care in modern contexts as it may sound outdated or class-conscious.
江戸時代の農民は重い税に苦しんだ。
Farmers in the Edo period suffered under heavy taxes.
農民の権利を守るための運動が起きた。
A movement to protect farmers' rights arose.
Historically meant 'farmer' or 'peasant', but today it is often considered derogatory or very informal. It can be used jokingly or in rural dialects, but learners should avoid it unless they fully understand the nuance.
Can be offensive. Do not use to refer to someone's profession unless you are certain it is acceptable in that context.
Japanese often uses compound words to specify the type of farming, which can be more precise than the general term.
Rice farmer. A very common specific term.
祖父は米農家です。
My grandfather is a rice farmer.
Dairy farmer. Used for those who raise cattle for milk.
北海道には酪農家が多い。
There are many dairy farmers in Hokkaido.
Fruit farmer. Someone who grows fruit trees.
果樹農家は収穫期に忙しい。
Fruit farmers are busy during harvest season.
Vegetable farmer.
近所の野菜農家から新鮮な野菜を買う。
I buy fresh vegetables from a local vegetable farmer.
When emphasizing the labor aspect rather than the ownership or household, different terms may apply.
Farm worker or agricultural laborer. Used for hired hands, not the farm owner.
農作業員を募集しています。
We are hiring farm workers.
An archaic term for a male farm laborer, often a live-in worker in pre-modern times. Not used today except in historical contexts.
昔、作男として働いた。
Long ago, I worked as a farmhand.
農家 (nouka) is the safe, modern word for a farmer or farming family. 農民 (noumin) is used for the farming class in historical or political discussions. 百姓 (hyakushou) is outdated and can be derogatory; avoid it unless you are very familiar with the context.
彼は農家です。
He is a farmer. (neutral)
農民一揆が起こった。
A peasant uprising occurred. (historical)
The loanword ファーマー (fāmā) exists but is not commonly used for Japanese farmers. It might appear in brand names or as a stylistic choice, but it sounds unnatural in normal conversation. Stick with 農家.
私は農家です。
I am a farmer. (natural)
両親は農家です。
My parents are farmers.
彼は農家になりたいと思っている。
He wants to become a farmer.
農家は朝早くから働く。
Farmers work from early morning.
うちは代々百姓をやってきた。
Our family has been farmers for generations. (used in a self-deprecating or rural context)