Translation guide
A small, natural elevation of land, smaller than a mountain. In Japanese, the most common word is 丘 (おか), but other terms exist for specific contexts.
A small natural elevation of land, often grassy or gentle.
The standard word for a small hill. Used in everyday conversation and writing.
あの丘の上に小さな神社があります。
There is a small shrine on top of that hill.
Used in proper nouns, often with historical or poetic nuance.
Often used in surnames and place names. Same meaning as 丘 but more common in proper nouns.
Used in literature or poetry, often with a refined or classical feel.
A rare, literary kanji for hill. Not used in everyday language.
詩の中で、緑の阜が描かれている。
In the poem, a green hill is depicted.
子供たちは丘で凧を揚げていた。
The children were flying kites on the hill.
Literally 'small mountain', often used for a hill that is somewhat larger or more rugged than 丘.
村の後ろに小山がある。
There is a small hill behind the village.
岡山県は桃で有名です。
Okayama Prefecture is famous for peaches.
An extremely rare term for a small hill or mound, specifically an anthill. Not used for general hills.
古い文献に垤という言葉が出てくる。
The word 'anthill' appears in old documents.