Translation guide
A meadow is an open field of grass and wildflowers, often in a natural or rural setting. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this is 草原 (sōgen), which covers grassy plains and meadows. Other words like 牧草地 (bokusōchi) are more specific to pastures, while 野原 (nohara) is a general term for fields. This guide helps you choose the right word based on context.
To refer to a natural open area covered with grass and wildflowers, not cultivated or used for farming.
The most common and versatile word for 'meadow' or 'grassland'. It can refer to natural grassy areas, plains, or prairies. Suitable for most contexts.
広い草原に花が咲いていた。
Flowers were blooming in the wide meadow.
私たちは草原でピクニックをした。
We had a picnic in the meadow.
A general term for 'field' or 'open land', often grassy but can include wild areas. It feels more rustic and less vast than 草原. Commonly used in children's stories and everyday speech.
子供たちが野原で遊んでいる。
The children are playing in the meadow.
Literally 'grass land', a more technical or descriptive term. It can refer to any grassy area, including lawns or pastures, but is less poetic than 草原.
その草地は春になると緑でいっぱいになる。
That meadow becomes full of green in spring.
To refer to a meadow used for grazing livestock, often fenced or managed.
Specifically a pasture or grazing land. Use this when the meadow is clearly for cattle, sheep, etc.
牛が牧草地でのんびり草を食べている。
Cows are leisurely eating grass in the meadow.
A more technical term for grazing land, often used in agricultural contexts.
この放牧地は羊のために使われている。
This meadow is used for sheep.
To refer to a meadow in mountainous regions, often above the tree line.
Literally 'flower field', this term is commonly used for alpine meadows full of wildflowers. It evokes a picturesque, colorful meadow.
夏になると山のお花畑が美しい。
In summer, the alpine meadows are beautiful.
To evoke a romantic, idyllic, or pastoral image of a meadow, often in literature or poetry.
An archaic or poetic word for fields or meadows, often used in classical literature. It carries a nostalgic, pastoral feel.
春の野辺に花が咲き乱れる。
Flowers bloom in profusion in the spring meadow.
A meadow of thatch grass, sometimes used in place names or poetry. Very specific and rare.
萱野に風が吹き渡る。
The wind blows across the grassy meadow.
草原 (sōgen) is the best default for 'meadow' as a natural grassland. 野原 (nohara) is more like a wild field, often smaller and closer to human habitation. 牧草地 (bokusōchi) is specifically a pasture for livestock. Use 草原 for most general purposes.
The loanword メドウ (medō) is rarely used in Japanese and may sound unnatural or overly poetic. Stick to native Japanese words like 草原 unless you are aiming for a specific stylistic effect.
A technical term for high-altitude wetlands or moors, sometimes translated as 'meadow' in ecological contexts.
尾瀬の高層湿原は貴重な生態系だ。
The Oze highland meadow is a precious ecosystem.