農業

• Reading: のうぎょう
• Romaji: nougyou
• Kanji breakdown: 農 (nou) — agriculture; 業 (gyou) — industry, business
• Pronunciation: /noː.gjoː/

Meaning

Agriculture; farming as an industry or occupation.

A noun referring to the broader industry and practice of farming. Used in formal and academic contexts to discuss agricultural policy, economics, and technology. Common compounds: 農業国 (nougyou-koku, agricultural nation), 農業技術 (nougyou gijutsu, agricultural technology). Japan has a complex relationship with agriculture, balancing rice subsidies, declining rural populations, and advanced farming methods.

Examples

1. 日本の農業は高齢化が大きな問題だ。 The aging population is a major problem for Japanese agriculture.
2. 大学で農業について研究している。 I'm researching agriculture at university.
3. この地域では農業が一番大切な産業だ。 Agriculture is the most important industry in this region.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, policy, rural development

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 農 (nou, agriculture) and 業 (gyou, industry/business). Together they denote farming as a formal industry or sector of the economy.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal