農村

• Reading: のうそん
• Romaji: nouson
• Kanji breakdown: 農 (nou) — agriculture, farming; 村 (son/mura) — village
• Pronunciation: /noː.so.n/

Meaning

Agricultural community; farm village. A rural settlement where farming is the main livelihood.

Describes rural villages centred around agriculture, as opposed to 都市 (city) or 漁村 (fishing village). Japan has experienced significant 農村 depopulation as young people move to cities. A key topic in social studies and discussions about regional revitalisation.

Examples

1. 祖父母は静かな農村に住んでいる。 My grandparents live in a quiet farming village.
2. 最近、農村から都市に引っ越す若者が増えている。 Recently, more and more young people are moving from farming villages to the city.
3. この農村では昔からお米を作っている。 This farming village has been growing rice since long ago.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, social studies, rural life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 農 (nou, agriculture/farming) and 村 (son, village). Literally 'farming village,' describing a settlement built around agricultural activity.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal