Translation and Meaning of: 豊作 - housaku

The Japanese word 「豊作」 (housaku) is composed of two kanji: 「豊」 and 「作」。The kanji 「豊」 (hou) means "abundant" or "rich," and the kanji 「作」 (saku) means "production" or "harvest." Therefore, when combined, they create the idea of an abundant harvest or rich production. This etymology directly reflects the meaning of the word in agriculture and Japanese culture.

In practice, 「豊作」 is used to describe a harvest season that was particularly productive and successful. This expression is often related to agriculture, mainly due to its historical relevance. In Japan, agriculture has always played a vital role, and a good harvest was synonymous with prosperity and food security. Therefore, the term can also symbolize a period of abundance and success in other areas of life.

Historically, the mention of 「豊作」 was a reason for celebration in many Japanese communities. Harvest festivals and rituals, such as the Aki Matsuri, were held to thank the gods for the abundance of the harvests. These celebrations are a way to express gratitude and prepare the spirit for the next agricultural season. This type of cultural observance helps strengthen community ties and keep traditions alive, linking the past to the present.

The word 「豊作」 is not limited to just the agricultural context in modern usage. In contemporary economies, it can be used metaphorically to describe a situation where there is significant growth or success, such as in business or creative projects. Thus, it adapts to new interpretations while keeping its roots firmly planted in Japanese history and culture.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 豊穣 (Hōjō) - Abundance, fertility, prosperity; it often refers to the richness of the harvests.
• 丰收 (Fēngshōu) - Abundant harvest; specifically highlights the success of the harvests in terms of quantity and quality.
• Bumper crop - Exceptional harvest; a term in English that describes a year of strong agricultural production, similar to the concepts of abundance in agriculture.

豊作

Romaji: housaku
Kana: ほうさく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: bountiful harvest; harvest

Meaning in English: abundant harvest;bumper crop

Definition: Having many agricultural cultures.

Example Sentences - (豊作) housaku

See below some example sentences:

今年は豊作になるように祈っています。

Kotoshi wa hōsaku ni naru yō ni inotte imasu

I pray for a good harvest this year.

• 今年 - This year
• は - Topic particle
• 豊作 - abundant harvest
• に - target particle
• なる - become
• ように - for what
• 祈っています - I'm praying