牧畜

ぼくちく

stock-farming

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word 牧畜 (ぼくちく) specifically refers to the practice of raising and managing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats. It is a formal term often used in agricultural, economic, and environmental contexts.

Common Contexts

牧畜 is commonly used when discussing rural industries, farming practices, or economic activities related to animal husbandry. It is often paired with 農業 (のうぎょう, agriculture) to describe the broader farming sector.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 牧畜業者 (ぼくちくぎょうしゃ): stock-farmers or livestock producers.
  • 牧畜地 (ぼくちくち): grazing land or pasture.
  • 牧畜と農業 (ぼくちくとのうぎょう): stock-farming and agriculture, often mentioned together to describe farming activities.

Register and Nuance

This term is formal and mostly used in written language, reports, or discussions about agriculture and economy. It is less common in casual conversation unless talking about farming specifically.

Common Learner Notes

Learners sometimes confuse 牧畜 with 農業 (farming of crops). Remember that 牧畜 focuses on animals, while 農業 refers to crop cultivation. Using 牧畜 correctly shows understanding of agricultural vocabulary distinctions.

Example Sentences

このちいきではぼくちくがしゅようなさんぎょうとなっている。

In this region, stock-farming is the main industry.

ぼくちくぎょうしゃはうしやひつじのけんこうかんりにちゅういをはらっている。

Stock-farmers pay close attention to the health management of cows and sheep.

ぼくちくとのうぎょうはしばしばおなじちいきでおこなわれることがおおい。

Stock-farming and agriculture are often carried out in the same region.