Japanese word

耕す

Pronunciation

Romajitagayasu

Meaning

  • verbtill

Example

農家は畑を耕します。nō ka wa hatake o tagaya shi ma su

The farmer tills the field.

Illustration for 耕す (till)

More examples

この機械なら、硬い土も簡単に耕せます。ko no ki kai na ra kata i tsuchi mo kan tan ni tagaya se ma su

With this machine, even hard soil can be tilled easily.

Core concept

Describes working and loosening soil so it becomes ready to support the growth of crops.

Common phrases

  • 畑を耕すhatake o tagaya su

    till a field

  • 土を耕すtsuchi o tagaya su

    till the soil

  • 田を耕すta o tagaya su

    till a rice paddy

Similar words

鋤くsuku: To loosen and turn soil with a plow or other farming tool.
耕作するkōsakusuru: To prepare and use land for growing crops as part of farming.

Definition in Japanese

作物を育てるために、土を掘り返して柔らかく整える。saku motsu o soda te ru ta me ni tsuchi o ho ri kae shi te yawa ra ka ku totono e ru

Word origin

耕す (tagayasu) is a native Japanese verb derived from the older expression 田返す (tagaesu, "to turn over a rice field"), which changed in sound over time.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 耕す (tagayasu) applies mainly to preparing soil for crops, while English cultivate also commonly extends to developing skills, relationships, or habits.

Other meanings

  • cultivateverb
  • plowverb

Related words

  • 耕し方tagayashikataway of tillingnoun
  • 耕作kōsakucultivationnoun

Word lists with this word