Translation and Meaning of: 農場 - noujyou

The Japanese word 農場[のうじょう] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances for those studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and how it's used in everyday Japanese. Furthermore, we will see practical tips for memorizing it and curiosities that go beyond the dictionary.

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese perceive the concept of "farm" or "rural property," understanding 農場 is a great starting point. This word appears in contexts ranging from traditional agriculture to modern discussions about sustainability. Let's unravel all of this clearly and directly.

Meaning and use of 農場 in everyday Japanese

農場 [のうじょう] literally means "farm" or "agricultural property" in Japanese. It is composed of the kanji 農 (agriculture) and 場 (place), forming the idea of a space dedicated to cultivation. Unlike words like 田舎 (inaka, "rural area"), 農場 specifies a place of production, not just a remote region.

In contemporary Japan, this word is more common in formal or technical contexts, such as news about agricultural policies or product labels. A practical example is 有機農場 (yūki nōjō), which means "organic farm." Although it is not a term used constantly in urban day-to-day life, understanding it is essential for anyone who wants to read about agriculture or rural economics in Japan.

The origin and components of 農場

The etymology of 農場 dates back to the period when Japan adopted Chinese characters. The kanji 農 comes from the radical 辰 (which represents "plowing the land") combined with 曲 (originally symbolizing "bending down to work"). Meanwhile, 場 is composed of 土 (earth) and 昜 (sunlight), suggesting an open and cultivable place. This composition reflects Japan’s historical relationship with agriculture.

Interestingly, although 農場 is the standard form, in some rural dialects of Japan, such as certain regions of Tohoku, it is colloquially pronounced "nōba." However, this variation is becoming increasingly rare due to the standardization of the language. For students, focusing on reading のうじょう is the most recommended, as it is the universally understood form.

Tips for memorizing and using 農場 correctly

An effective way to remember 農場 is to associate its kanjis with concrete images. Visualize 農 as a field with planting furrows and 場 as a fenced area – together, they form the idea of a marked farm. Apps like Anki can help with flashcards showing photos of Japanese farms alongside the word.

Avoid confusing 農場 with similar terms like 牧場 (bokujō, "cattle ranch") or 畑 (hatake, "farmland"). While 農場 encompasses agricultural properties in general, these other words have more specific uses. A common mistake among beginners is translating 農場 simply as "field," which does not capture its meaning of an organized rural enterprise.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 農園 (Nōen) - Farm or plantation where plants are cultivated, usually commercially.
• 農地 (Nōchi) - Land designated for agriculture; cultivable area.
• 農家 (Nōka) - Family or person dedicated to agriculture; farmer.
• 農業地帯 (Nōgyō chitai) - Area or region where agriculture is the main economic activity.

農場

Romaji: noujyou
Kana: のうじょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Farm (Agriculture)

Meaning in English: farm (agriculture)

Definition: Land used for agriculture, such as agricultural land or pastures.

Example Sentences - (農場) noujyou

See below some example sentences:

私たちは農場で新鮮な野菜を育てています。

Watashitachi wa nōjō de shinsen na yasai o sodatete imasu

We are cultivating fresh vegetables on the farm.

We cultivate fresh vegetables on the farm.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 農場で - "On the farm" in Japanese
• 新鮮な - "Fresh" in Japanese
• 野菜を - "Vegetables" in Japanese
• 育てています - "We are cultivating" in Japanese