Meaning and Usage
"農家" (のうか) refers to a farmer or a farm family, typically those who live and work on a farm. It is a common noun used in everyday conversation and writing when discussing agriculture or rural life.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "農家" when talking about rural communities, fresh produce markets, or traditional lifestyles connected to farming. It can refer to both the people who farm and their households.
Collocations and Patterns
- 農家の人 (のうかのひと): farmer(s), referring to individuals involved in farming.
- 農家の生活 (のうかのせいかつ): farm family life, emphasizing the lifestyle aspect.
- 農家を継ぐ (のうかをつぐ): to inherit or take over the family farm, a common phrase in discussions about family succession.
Register and Nuance
"農家" is neutral and polite enough for most contexts, including news reports and casual conversations. It is not overly formal but respectful when referring to farming families.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "農家" with "農民" (のうみん), which also means farmer but often has a more general or historical nuance. "農家" emphasizes the family or household aspect, while "農民" can be broader or more formal.