Translation guide
The English word 'fowl' can refer to birds in general, birds hunted for sport, or domestic birds kept for eggs and meat. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the context.
Referring to domesticated birds raised for eggs or meat, especially chickens.
Referring to wild birds hunted for sport or food, such as pheasants or ducks.
Specifically means game birds, i.e., birds that are hunted.
Using 'fowl' in the old sense of any bird, often in set phrases or literary contexts.
The general word for bird. Use this when 'fowl' is used in an old-fashioned or poetic sense meaning any bird.
In modern English, 'fowl' often refers specifically to domestic birds like chickens. In Japanese, 鶏 (にわとり) is the most natural equivalent. Using 鳥 (とり) for 'fowl' may sound too broad unless the context is literary or archaic.
The most common word for domestic fowl, especially chickens. Can be used for both the bird and its meat.
庭で鶏を飼っています。
I keep fowl in my yard.
鶏肉はよく食べます。
I often eat chicken (fowl meat).
A more technical or formal term for domestic fowl or poultry as a category.
家禽の飼育が盛んです。
Poultry farming is thriving.
Hunting of game fowl is permitted in this area.
Means wild birds in general, but can be used in hunting contexts to refer to game birds.
野鳥を狩る。
To hunt wild fowl.
空の鳥を見よ。
Behold the fowls of the air.
A more scientific term for birds as a class. Suitable when 'fowl' is used in a biological sense.
鳥類は恐竜の子孫です。
Fowl are descendants of dinosaurs.