Meaning and Usage
The word 耕地 (こうち) specifically refers to land that is suitable for farming or cultivation, often translated as "arable land." It is commonly used in agricultural contexts to discuss farming areas, land management, and agricultural policy.
Common Collocations
- 耕地面積 (こうちめんせき): "arable land area" – used when talking about the size or extent of farmland.
- 耕地を拡大する: "to expand arable land" – often used in discussions about increasing farming capacity.
- 耕地の管理: "management of arable land" – refers to the maintenance and care of farmland.
Register and Nuance
耕地 is a formal term mostly used in written language, agriculture reports, or official contexts. It is less common in casual conversation where 農地 (のうち, farmland) might be used more broadly.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 耕地 with 農地. While both relate to farming land, 耕地 specifically means land that is actively cultivated or suitable for cultivation, whereas 農地 can include land used for other agricultural purposes like orchards or pastures.
Understanding this distinction helps in using the word appropriately in formal agricultural discussions or reports.