Translation guide
Domesticated animals raised for agricultural purposes, such as meat, milk, wool, or labor. In Japanese, the most common general term is 家畜 (かちく).
家畜
livestock
Referring to livestock as a collective category in agriculture.
The standard, neutral term for livestock. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
この地域では家畜の飼育が盛んです。
Livestock farming is thriving in this region.
家畜の健康管理は重要です。
Managing the health of livestock is important.
Refers to livestock products (meat, milk, etc.) rather than the animals themselves, but sometimes used in contexts like 'livestock industry'.
畜産物の輸入が増えています。
Imports of livestock products are increasing.
Referring to particular animals commonly considered livestock.
Cattle, cows. Often used when specifying the type of livestock.
牛を飼育しています。
We raise cattle.
Pigs. Common livestock animal.
豚の飼育には広いスペースが必要です。
Raising pigs requires a lot of space.
Chickens. Often raised for eggs or meat.
Sheep. Raised for wool and meat.
羊の毛は暖かいです。
Sheep's wool is warm.
Horses. Historically important as livestock for labor and transport.
Informal or conversational reference to farm animals.
Adding たち personifies the animals slightly, making it sound more casual or affectionate.
家畜たちに餌をやる時間だ。
It's time to feed the livestock.
Referring to the business or practice of raising livestock.
The livestock industry or animal husbandry. Often used in compound words.
畜産はこの地域の主要産業です。
Livestock farming is the main industry in this region.
Pastoral farming, grazing livestock. Emphasizes the raising of animals on pasture.
In Japanese, it's often more natural to specify the type of animal (e.g., 牛, 豚) rather than using the generic 家畜, especially in everyday conversation. 家畜 is more common in formal or technical contexts.
Chickens lay eggs.
Horses were used for farm work.
牧畜が盛んな地域です。
It's a region where pastoral farming is thriving.