Translation guide
In Japanese, a flock of sheep is typically expressed with a counter or collective noun. The most common and natural way is to use the counter 匹 (ひき) for small animals, or the noun 群れ (むれ) meaning 'group' or 'flock'. The choice depends on whether you are counting or describing a group.
羊の群れ
a flock of sheep
Referring to a group of sheep in a general sense, without specifying number.
The most natural and common way to say 'a flock of sheep'. 群れ means a group or flock of animals.
羊の群れが草原にいる。
There is a flock of sheep in the meadow.
More literary or formal. 一群 means 'a group' or 'a flock'.
羊の一群が丘を越えてやってきた。
A flock of sheep came over the hill.
Specifying the number of sheep in a flock.
Use the counter 匹 (ひき) for small animals like sheep. Replace N with the number.
羊が10匹いる。
There are 10 sheep.
羊が3匹、野原にいた。
There were three sheep in the field.
Alternative word order, placing the number before the noun. Slightly more formal or written.
5匹の羊が柵の中にいる。
Five sheep are in the pen.
Emphasizing a large number of sheep, like a big flock or herd.
大群 means 'large flock' or 'horde'. Conveys a sense of a massive group.
羊の大群が山を下りてきた。
A large flock of sheep came down the mountain.
群れ is the everyday word for a group of animals. 一群 is more literary and often implies a single, cohesive group. 大群 emphasizes a very large number, like a horde.
羊の群れを見た。
I saw a flock of sheep.
羊の一群が静かに草を食んでいた。
A flock of sheep was quietly grazing.
羊の大群に道をふさがれた。
The road was blocked by a huge flock of sheep.
Sheep are counted with 匹 (ひき), the standard counter for small to medium-sized animals. Larger animals like cows use 頭 (とう). Birds use 羽 (わ).
羊飼いが羊の群れを見張っている。
The shepherd is watching his flock of sheep.
羊の群れが野原で草を食べていた。
A flock of sheep was grazing in the field.