Translation and Meaning of: 農家 - nouka

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about Japan's rural culture, you may have come across the word 農家 [のうか]. It is essential for understanding a fundamental aspect of Japanese society: agriculture. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of this word in everyday life, as well as tips to memorize it easily. If you really want to learn Japanese, Suki Nihongo is the best online dictionary to help you on this journey.

Meaning and use of 農家 [のうか]

The word 農家[のうか] is composed of two kanji: 農 (nou), which means "agriculture", and 家 (ka), which can be translated as "house" or "family". Together, they form the term that designates a "family of farmers" or, in a broader sense, "farm" or "rural property". It is a common word in the Japanese vocabulary, especially in regions where agriculture is still an important economic activity.

In Japan, being a 農家 goes beyond just cultivating the land. Many families pass down knowledge from generation to generation, maintaining centuries-old traditions. Therefore, the word carries significant cultural weight. If you visit rural Japan, you'll see that many 農家 also offer rural tourism, allowing visitors to experience the agricultural lifestyle.

Origin and etymology of 農家

The origin of the word 農家 dates back to the Japanese feudal period when agriculture was the foundation of the economy. The kanji 農 (nou) was already used in ancient China to refer to land cultivation, while 家 (ka) represented not only a residence but also a family lineage. Together, these ideograms came to symbolize the connection between family and work in the fields.

It is worth noting that, although 農家 is often associated with small producers, the term can also be used to refer to larger properties. However, in modern Japan, many farming families are facing challenges such as the aging rural population and competition from imported products.

How to memorize 農家 and use it correctly

An effective way to memorize 農家 is to associate the kanjis with concrete images. The character 農 shows a person working in a field (辰) under a roof (冖), while 家 represents a house with a pig under the roof (an ancient symbol of domestic prosperity). This visualization helps to reinforce the meaning of "farm family.".

In practice, you can use 農家 in sentences like "私の祖父は農家です" (My grandfather is a farmer) or "この地域には多くの農家がある" (There are many farms in this region). If you are traveling in rural Japan, try asking: "この農家では何を栽培していますか？" (What does this farm grow?). This immersion in the real use of the word makes learning easier.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

農民 (Nōmin) - Peasant; farmer, usually associated with people who work the land.
農夫 (Nōfu) - Farmer; it can refer more specifically to manual labor in agriculture.
農業家 (Nōgyōka) - Agriculture specialist; someone who studies or practices the science of agriculture, potentially having a more technical role.
農地所有者 (Nōchi shoyūsha) - Landowner; someone who owns the land used in agriculture, without necessarily being the worker of it.
農場主 (Nōbōnushi) - Farm owner; it can be a farmer, but it emphasizes more the ownership of the agricultural business.
農村民 (Nōsonmin) - Rural inhabitant; refers to people who live in rural areas, which may include farmers but is not limited to them.
農作業者 (Nōsakugyōsha) - Agricultural worker; someone who performs agricultural tasks, which may be temporary or seasonal.