Meaning and Usage
The word "耕作" (こうさく) specifically refers to the act of cultivating land or farming. It is a formal term often used in agricultural contexts, including discussions about farming methods, land use, and agricultural economics.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "耕作" in written or formal spoken Japanese when talking about farming activities, especially in relation to crops, farmland management, or agricultural policy. It is less common in casual conversation where simpler words like "農業" (farming) or "畑を作る" (to farm a field) might be used.
Collocations and Patterns
- 耕作地 (こうさくち): cultivated land or farmland.
- 耕作放棄地 (こうさくほうきち): abandoned farmland.
- 耕作技術 (こうさくぎじゅつ): cultivation techniques.
- 耕作を行う (こうさくをおこなう): to carry out cultivation.
These collocations are useful for discussing agricultural conditions or policies.
Register and Nuance
"耕作" carries a neutral to formal tone and is often found in academic, governmental, or technical contexts. It implies the physical act of working the land rather than the broader concept of agriculture.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "耕作" with "農業" (のうぎょう), which means agriculture in a broader sense including animal husbandry and agribusiness. "耕作" is specifically about cultivating crops on land. Use "耕作" when focusing on the act of tilling or farming the soil.