At the A1 level, you don't really need to know the word '養蚕' (Yousan). It is a very specific and formal word. However, you might learn the word for 'silkworm,' which is 'kaiko' (蚕). If you were to explain '養蚕' simply, you would say 'raising bugs to make clothes' or 'kaiko o kau' (keeping silkworms). At this stage, focus on basic animals and verbs. If you see this word in a museum, just remember it has to do with making silk from insects.
At the A2 level, you might encounter '養蚕' in a simple history book or a travel brochure for a rural area. You should understand that it is a type of farming. A simple way to think of it is 'silk farming.' You can recognize the kanji '養' from words like 'kyuuyou' (rest) or 'youiku' (upbringing). It's a noun used to describe a job or a tradition. You might see it in a sentence like 'My town is famous for 養蚕.'
At the B1 level, you should be able to understand '養蚕' in the context of Japanese history. You will likely see it when studying the Meiji Restoration. You should know that '養蚕' was a major export for Japan. You can use it in sentences to describe traditional industries. You should also start to recognize related words like '桑' (mulberry) and '繭' (cocoon). You might use it like: 'Long ago, many people did 養蚕 to earn money.'
At the B2 level, you are expected to use '養蚕' correctly in formal and academic contexts. You should understand the nuance that it refers to the entire practice of sericulture as an industry. You should be able to discuss its decline due to synthetic fibers and its importance to Japan's economic development. You should also be comfortable with collocations like '養蚕を営む' (to run a sericulture business) and '養蚕業' (the sericulture industry).
At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the cultural and socio-economic implications of '養蚕.' You might discuss the role of the Imperial Family in maintaining sericulture traditions or the use of genetically modified silkworms in modern biotechnology. You should be able to read complex historical documents or economic analyses that use this term and understand the technical details of the process described.
At the C2 level, '養蚕' is a word you use with precision and historical depth. You can engage in high-level academic discussions about the impact of sericulture on land use in the 19th century or the linguistic nuances of regional dialects related to silk farming. You understand the word not just as 'silk farming' but as a symbol of Japanese identity, modernization, and the delicate balance between human industry and the natural world.

養蚕 in 30 Sekunden

  • 養蚕 (Yousan) means sericulture or silk farming in Japanese.
  • It involves rearing silkworms, specifically feeding them mulberry leaves.
  • Historically, it was Japan's primary export industry during the Meiji era.
  • Today, it is a rare traditional craft and a subject of biotech research.

The Japanese word 養蚕 (ようさん, Yousan) refers to sericulture, which is the specialized practice of rearing silkworms for the production of raw silk. This term is deeply rooted in Japanese history, economy, and culture. While the industry has seen a significant decline in modern times, the word remains a vital part of Japan's historical identity. It is composed of two kanji: (yō), meaning 'to nurture' or 'to foster,' and (san/kaiko), meaning 'silkworm.' Together, they describe the entire lifecycle of managing these insects, from hatching eggs to harvesting the cocoons.

Historical Context
During the Meiji era, 養蚕 was the backbone of Japan's modernization. Silk exports provided the foreign currency necessary to build factories and modernize the military. Towns like Tomioka in Gunma Prefecture became world-renowned centers for this practice.

In contemporary Japanese, you will encounter this word most frequently in history textbooks, museum exhibits, or discussions regarding rural revitalization. It is a formal noun that describes a professional or agricultural activity. You wouldn't use it to describe a child keeping a bug in a box; instead, it implies a systematic, economic endeavor. The scale of 養蚕 ranges from small family-run farms to large-scale industrial operations that once dominated the Japanese landscape.

明治時代、多くの農家が副業として養蚕を行っていました。(During the Meiji period, many farmers practiced sericulture as a side business.)

The biology involved in 養蚕 is fascinating. It centers on the Bombyx mori, a moth that has been domesticated for thousands of years. These silkworms are entirely dependent on humans for survival and feed exclusively on mulberry leaves (桑の葉, kuwa no ha). The meticulous care required—maintaining specific temperatures, ensuring a constant supply of fresh leaves, and protecting the larvae from disease—is all encapsulated in the term 養蚕.

Modern Usage
Today, 養蚕 is often discussed in the context of biotechnology. Scientists are using genetically modified silkworms to produce specialized proteins for medical use, breathing new life into this ancient term.

日本の養蚕技術は、今や最先端のバイオテクノロジーへと進化しています。(Japan's sericulture technology has now evolved into cutting-edge biotechnology.)

Using 養蚕 correctly requires understanding its grammatical function as a noun that can also act as a 'suru' verb (養蚕する), though the noun form is much more common in formal writing. It often appears in phrases like 養蚕を営む (yousan o itonamu), which means 'to run a sericulture business' or 'to engage in sericulture.' This specific verb choice, 営む, highlights the professional and lifestyle aspect of the work.

Common Verb Pairings
1. 養蚕を行う (to perform/do sericulture)
2. 養蚕に従事する (to be engaged in sericulture)
3. 養蚕が盛んである (sericulture is flourishing)

When discussing geography, you will often see 養蚕 used to describe a region's primary industry. For example, '養蚕地帯' (yousan chitai) refers to a sericultural zone. Because the process is so seasonal and labor-intensive, sentences often describe the 'busy season' (繁忙期) associated with the growth cycles of the silkworms. The term is also frequently paired with 桑 (mulberry), as the two are inseparable in practice.

この地域は古くから養蚕が盛んな場所として知られています。(This region has been known since ancient times as a place where sericulture flourishes.)

In academic or technical writing, 養蚕 is used to discuss the scientific aspects of silk production. You might read about 養蚕農家 (yousan nouka - sericulture farmers) or 養蚕業 (yousangyou - the sericulture industry). The word carries a certain weight of tradition and respect, as the silkworms are often referred to as 'O-kaiko-sama' (The Honorable Silkworm), indicating the deep gratitude farmers felt toward the creatures that sustained their livelihoods.

Example in Policy Context
政府は伝統的な養蚕文化を保護するために、補助金を交付しています。(The government is providing subsidies to protect the traditional sericulture culture.)

祖父の代まで、我が家は養蚕を営んでいました。(Until my grandfather's generation, my family ran a sericulture business.)

While you won't hear 養蚕 in a trendy Tokyo cafe, it is a staple of Japanese cultural and historical discourse. You will encounter it most frequently in the following contexts:

1. Museums and World Heritage Sites
If you visit the Tomioka Silk Mill (富岡製糸場), the word 養蚕 is everywhere. It is used to explain how the raw material for the factory was produced by local farmers. Audio guides and placards use this term to describe the industrial revolution of Japan.

2. **Regional News and Documentaries**: NHK often features documentaries about 'Satoyama' (traditional rural landscapes). In these programs, 養蚕 is frequently mentioned when discussing how rural communities used to live in harmony with nature. You might hear elderly residents reminiscing about the sound of silkworms munching on mulberry leaves, which they describe as sounding like 'falling rain.'

「かつてこの村は養蚕で栄えていました」と村長は語った。("This village once flourished through sericulture," the village head said.)

3. **Textbooks and Entrance Exams**: For students, 養蚕 is a key vocabulary word for Japanese history and geography exams. Questions often focus on the '養蚕の衰退' (decline of sericulture) due to the rise of synthetic fibers like nylon. Understanding this word is essential for comprehending the economic shifts of the 20th century.

4. Traditional Crafts
When purchasing high-end Kimonos, particularly those made of 'Yuki-tsumugi' or other hand-spun silks, the seller may mention the 養蚕 techniques used to produce the specific quality of silk thread.

皇后陛下は毎年、紅葉山御養蚕所で養蚕を行われています。(Her Majesty the Empress performs sericulture every year at the Momijiyama Imperial Cocoonery.)

While 養蚕 is a specific term, learners often make a few key errors when using it. The most common mistake is confusing the industry with the animal itself.

Mistake 1: 養蚕 vs 蚕 (Kaiko)
Incorrect: 養蚕を見ました (I saw sericulture).
Correct: 蚕を見ました (I saw a silkworm).
Explanation: 養蚕 is the activity or industry. You cannot 'see' 養蚕 in the same way you see an insect. You can see a '養蚕場' (sericulture farm) or '養蚕の様子' (the state of sericulture).

Another mistake involves the verb choice. Because 養蚕 is a noun, learners often default to 'する' (to do), which is acceptable but can sound simplistic in formal contexts. Using '営む' (to operate/run) or '従事する' (to engage in) shows a much higher level of Japanese proficiency.

❌ 彼は養蚕をしています。
✅ 彼は養蚕を営んでいます。(He runs a sericulture business - much more natural for a professional context.)

Confusion with similar-sounding or related terms like '蚕業' (sangyou - silk industry) is also common. While related, 養蚕 specifically focuses on the *rearing* of the worms, whereas 蚕業 is a broader term encompassing the entire silk industry, including spinning and weaving.

Mistake 2: Pronunciation
Learners sometimes misread 養蚕 as 'Yousai' (which means fortress). Be careful with the 'n' sound at the end: You-sa-n.

❌ 養蚕(ようさい)の歴史。
養蚕(ようさん)の歴史。(The history of sericulture.)

To truly master 養蚕, you should understand how it compares to related terms in the Japanese agricultural and industrial vocabulary.

养蚕 (Yousan) vs. 蚕業 (Sangyou)
養蚕: Specifically the act of raising silkworms. Focuses on the biological/farming process.
蚕業: The silk industry as a whole. Focuses on the economic and industrial sector.
养蚕 (Yousan) vs. 飼育 (Shiiku)
養蚕: Exclusive to silkworms.
飼育: A general term for breeding or raising any animal (pets, livestock, etc.). You would use 飼育 for a pet dog, but 養蚕 for a silk farm.

If you are looking for a more casual way to say 'raising silkworms,' you can use the phrase 蚕を飼う (kaiko o kau). This is common when talking to children or in informal settings. In contrast, 養蚕 is the academic and professional standard.

日本の蚕業は明治以降、急速に発展しました。(Japan's silk industry developed rapidly after the Meiji era.)

Another related term is 製糸 (seishi), which means silk reeling—the process of taking the silk thread off the cocoon. While 養蚕 ends with the cocoon, 製糸 is the next step in the production chain. You will often see these two words together in the phrase 養蚕製糸業 (yousan seishi gyou), referring to the combined rearing and reeling industry.

Comparison Table
- 養蚕: Raising the worms.
- 製糸: Reeling the silk from cocoons.
- 織物 (Orimono): Weaving the silk into fabric.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji for silkworm '蚕' is made of 'heaven' (天) and 'bug' (虫). This reflects the ancient belief that silk was a gift from heaven and the silkworm was a divine insect.

Aussprachehilfe

UK jəʊsæn
US joʊsɑːn
The pitch accent is 'Heiban' (Flat), meaning the pitch starts low on 'yo' and stays high for 'u-sa-n'.
Reimt sich auf
Tosan (Bankruptcy) Kousan (Surrender/Probability) Yousan (Calculation/Budget) Chousan (Disappearance) Fousan (Boric acid) Housan (Dissipation) Shousan (Praise) Dousan (Moveable property)
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'Yo' too short (it should be 'Yoo').
  • Confusing the final 'n' with an 'm' sound.
  • Misreading the kanji as 'Yousai'.
  • Putting the stress on the wrong syllable.
  • Failing to sustain the long vowel.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 4/5

The kanji 蚕 is relatively rare in everyday life, though 養 is common.

Schreiben 5/5

Writing 蚕 correctly requires attention to the radicals.

Sprechen 3/5

The pronunciation is simple, but the word is rarely used in casual speech.

Hören 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know the word, but can be confused with homophones.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

蚕 (Silkworm) 絹 (Silk) 農業 (Agriculture) 育てる (To raise) 産業 (Industry)

Als Nächstes lernen

製糸 (Silk reeling) 紡績 (Spinning) 明治維新 (Meiji Restoration) 殖産興業 (Promotion of industry) 外貨獲得 (Earning foreign currency)

Fortgeschritten

遺伝子組み換え (Gene recombination) バイオテクノロジー (Biotechnology) 民俗学 (Folklore studies) 近代化遺産 (Modernization heritage) 里山資本主義 (Satoyama capitalism)

Wichtige Grammatik

Suru-verbs (Noun + する)

新しい技術で養蚕する。

Passive voice in history (〜られた)

養蚕は政府によって奨励された。

Expressing cause/means (〜によって)

養蚕によって村は潤った。

Noun modification (Noun + の + Noun)

養蚕の道具を片付ける。

Describing state (〜が盛んだ)

この地方は養蚕が盛んだ。

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

これは蚕(かいこ)です。

This is a silkworm.

Simple identification sentence.

2

蚕は桑の葉を食べます。

Silkworms eat mulberry leaves.

Basic subject-verb-object structure.

3

きれいなシルクですね。

It's beautiful silk, isn't it?

Using the loanword 'silk' for A1.

4

昔、日本では虫を飼っていました。

Long ago, people in Japan kept insects.

Past tense of 'kau' (to keep animals).

5

この虫から服を作ります。

We make clothes from this insect.

Using 'kara' to show the source material.

6

養蚕(ようさん)は難しいですか?

Is sericulture difficult?

Simple question with 'desu ka'.

7

私は繭(まゆ)を見ました。

I saw a cocoon.

Direct object with 'o'.

8

日本はシルクが有名です。

Japan is famous for silk.

Topic marker 'wa' and subject 'ga'.

1

私の祖父は養蚕をやっていました。

My grandfather used to do sericulture.

Using 'yatte ita' for past habitual action.

2

養蚕は、蚕を育てることです。

Sericulture is the act of raising silkworms.

A is B (noun phrase using 'koto').

3

この村は養蚕で有名になりました。

This village became famous for sericulture.

Using 'de' to indicate the reason/means.

4

養蚕には桑の葉が必要です。

Mulberry leaves are necessary for sericulture.

Using 'ni wa' to indicate requirement.

5

昔の家には養蚕のための部屋がありました。

Old houses had rooms for sericulture.

Using 'no tame no' for purpose.

6

養蚕の仕事はとても忙しいです。

The work of sericulture is very busy.

Possessive 'no' connecting two nouns.

7

蚕が繭を作ると、養蚕が終わります。

When the silkworms make cocoons, the sericulture (cycle) ends.

Conditional 'to' indicating a natural sequence.

8

今は養蚕をする人が少なくなりました。

Now, the number of people doing sericulture has decreased.

Using 'naru' to show change.

1

明治時代の日本にとって、養蚕は最も重要な産業でした。

For Japan in the Meiji era, sericulture was the most important industry.

Using 'ni totte' to mean 'for/from the perspective of'.

2

養蚕農家は、蚕が病気にならないように気をつけています。

Sericulture farmers are careful so that the silkworms don't get sick.

Using 'youni' to show purpose or goal.

3

養蚕の技術は、中国から日本に伝えられました。

The technology of sericulture was brought to Japan from China.

Passive voice 'tsutae-rare-mashita'.

4

この博物館では、養蚕の歴史を学ぶことができます。

At this museum, you can learn about the history of sericulture.

Potential form 'manabu koto ga dekiru'.

5

養蚕が衰退した理由は、化学繊維の普及です。

The reason sericulture declined is the spread of synthetic fibers.

Noun phrase as the subject.

6

毎年、皇后陛下は御養蚕所で蚕を飼われています。

Every year, Her Majesty the Empress raises silkworms at the Imperial Cocoonery.

Honorific form 'kawarete imasu'.

7

養蚕によって、この地域は経済的に豊かになりました。

Through sericulture, this region became economically prosperous.

Using 'ni yotte' to show means or cause.

8

養蚕を続けることは、伝統を守ることでもあります。

Continuing sericulture is also about protecting tradition.

A wa B demo aru (A is also B).

1

かつて養蚕は日本の外貨獲得の柱となっていました。

Sericulture used to be the pillar of Japan's foreign currency acquisition.

Using 'hashira to naru' (to become a pillar/mainstay).

2

養蚕の繁忙期には、家族総出で作業に当たりました。

During the busy season of sericulture, the whole family worked together.

Using 'kazoku soude' (with the whole family).

3

富岡製糸場は、養蚕と製糸の近代化に大きく貢献しました。

The Tomioka Silk Mill contributed significantly to the modernization of sericulture and silk reeling.

Using 'ni kouken suru' (to contribute to).

4

養蚕に適した気候と桑の栽培が、この地の発展を支えました。

The climate suitable for sericulture and mulberry cultivation supported the development of this area.

Using 'ni tekishita' (suitable for).

5

最近では、バイオテクノロジーを用いた新しい養蚕の研究が進んでいます。

Recently, research into new sericulture using biotechnology has been progressing.

Using 'o mochiita' (using/utilizing).

6

養蚕農家の減少は、後継者不足という深刻な問題を抱えています。

The decrease in sericulture farmers faces the serious problem of a lack of successors.

Using 'mondai o kakaete iru' (to have/carry a problem).

7

養蚕は単なる農業ではなく、日本の文化遺産の一部です。

Sericulture is not just agriculture; it is a part of Japan's cultural heritage.

Using 'tannaru... dewa naku' (not merely...).

8

絹の需要が変化する中で、養蚕のあり方も問われています。

As the demand for silk changes, the nature of sericulture is also being questioned.

Using 'naka de' (amidst/in the middle of).

1

養蚕の技術革新が、日本の産業革命を牽引したと言っても過言ではありません。

It is no exaggeration to say that technological innovation in sericulture drove Japan's Industrial Revolution.

Using 'to itte mo kagon dewa nai' (it is no exaggeration to say).

2

養蚕業の盛衰は、日本の近代史と密接に関わっています。

The rise and fall of the sericulture industry is closely linked to Japan's modern history.

Using 'missetsu ni kakawatte iru' (closely related to).

3

伝統的な養蚕手法を保存することは、生物多様性の維持にも繋がります。

Preserving traditional sericulture methods also leads to the maintenance of biodiversity.

Using 'ni tsunagaru' (leads to/is connected to).

4

養蚕における品種改良の歴史は、日本の農業科学の礎となりました。

The history of selective breeding in sericulture became the foundation of Japanese agricultural science.

Using 'ishizue to naru' (to become the foundation).

5

グローバル化の波に押され、日本の養蚕は壊滅的な打撃を受けました。

Pushed by the wave of globalization, Japanese sericulture suffered a devastating blow.

Using 'nami ni osare' (pushed by the wave of).

6

養蚕をテーマにした文学作品は、当時の農村の苦境を鮮明に描いています。

Literary works themed around sericulture vividly depict the hardships of rural villages at the time.

Using 'senmei ni egaite iru' (vividly depicting).

7

皇室による養蚕の継承は、象徴的な意味合いを強く持っています。

The succession of sericulture by the Imperial Family has strong symbolic connotations.

Using 'imiai o motsu' (to have connotations/meaning).

8

養蚕の副産物である蚕沙は、古くから漢方薬としても利用されてきました。

Silkworm droppings, a byproduct of sericulture, have been used as herbal medicine since ancient times.

Using 'fukusamonbutsu' (byproduct).

1

養蚕が日本の近世から近代にかけての社会構造の変容に与えた影響は多大である。

The influence that sericulture exerted on the transformation of social structures from the early modern to the modern era in Japan is immense.

Formal academic 'dearu' style.

2

養蚕という生業(なりわい)を通じて、農民たちは独自の宇宙観を形成していた。

Through the livelihood of sericulture, farmers formed their own unique worldview.

Using 'nariwai' (livelihood/trade) for a sophisticated tone.

3

明治政府の殖産興業政策において、養蚕は戦略的基幹産業と位置づけられた。

In the Meiji government's policy to increase production and promote industry, sericulture was positioned as a strategic core industry.

Using 'kikan sangyou' (core industry) and 'ichizukerareta' (was positioned).

4

養蚕の衰退は、単なる産業の消滅に留まらず、里山の生態系バランスの変容を招いた。

The decline of sericulture did not stop at the mere disappearance of an industry; it led to a transformation in the ecological balance of Satoyama.

Using 'ni todomarazu' (not stopping at).

5

遺伝子組み換え技術を駆使した養蚕の再構築は、シルクの定義を根底から覆す可能性を秘めている。

The reconstruction of sericulture utilizing gene recombination technology holds the potential to fundamentally overturn the definition of silk.

Using 'kontei kara kutsugaesu' (to overturn from the foundation).

6

養蚕に関する民俗学的考察は、地域共同体の絆がいかに絹という糸によって紡がれてきたかを物語る。

Folklore studies on sericulture tell the story of how the bonds of local communities were spun by the threads of silk.

Metaphorical use of 'tsumugareru' (to be spun).

7

養蚕をめぐる言説の変遷を辿ることは、日本のアイデンティティ形成の軌跡を辿ることに他ならない。

Tracing the transition of discourse surrounding sericulture is nothing other than tracing the trajectory of Japan's identity formation.

Using 'ni hoka naranai' (nothing other than).

8

養蚕における労働のジェンダー構造は、近代日本の女性の社会進出の先駆けとも言える側面を持つ。

The gender structure of labor in sericulture has an aspect that can be called a precursor to the social advancement of women in modern Japan.

Using 'sakigake' (precursor/pioneer).

Häufige Kollokationen

養蚕を営む
養蚕が盛ん
養蚕農家
養蚕地帯
養蚕技術
養蚕の歴史
養蚕文化
養蚕用具
養蚕の繁忙期
皇室養蚕

Häufige Phrasen

養蚕に従事する

— To be employed or engaged in sericulture.

多くの女性が養蚕に従事していた。

養蚕を奨励する

— To encourage or promote sericulture.

明治政府は養蚕を奨励した。

養蚕の神様

— The deity of sericulture, often worshipped in rural shrines.

養蚕の神様を祀る神社。

養蚕の衰退

— The decline of sericulture.

化学繊維の登場が養蚕の衰退を招いた。

伝統的養蚕

— Traditional sericulture methods.

伝統的養蚕を守る活動が行われている。

養蚕の振興

— The promotion or revitalization of sericulture.

養蚕の振興策が検討されている。

養蚕用桑園

— A mulberry garden used for sericulture.

広大な養蚕用桑園が広がっていた。

養蚕の全盛期

— The golden age or peak of sericulture.

昭和初期は養蚕の全盛期だった。

養蚕伝習所

— A training center for sericulture techniques.

各地に養蚕伝習所が作られた。

養蚕の知恵

— The wisdom or traditional knowledge of sericulture.

養蚕の知恵を生活に活かす。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

養蚕 vs 予算 (Yosan)

Means 'budget'. The pronunciation is similar, but the pitch accent and kanji are different.

養蚕 vs 要塞 (Yousai)

Means 'fortress'. Often misread by learners because of the similar first kanji '養' vs '要'.

養蚕 vs 蚕業 (Sangyou)

Means 'silk industry'. While 養蚕 is the act of raising worms, 蚕業 is the entire industrial sector.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"蚕食する"

— To encroach upon or eat away at something gradually (like a silkworm eating a leaf).

大企業が市場を蚕食している。

Formal/Metaphorical
"繭にこもる"

— To retreat into one's shell; to isolate oneself.

彼は自分の繭にこもってしまった。

Literary
"桑田変じて海となる"

— The world changes drastically (mulberry fields turning into the sea).

養蚕の村がビル街になり、桑田変じて海となるの感がある。

Literary/Archaic
"お蚕様"

— Referring to silkworms with extreme respect (O-kaiko-sama).

お蚕様を大切に育てる。

Honorific/Regional
"糸を引く"

— To pull strings behind the scenes (derived from silk reeling).

事件の裏で誰かが糸を引いている。

Common
"掃き立て"

— The very first feeding of newly hatched silkworms; also used for a fresh start.

今日は養蚕の掃き立ての日だ。

Technical
"上族"

— The stage where silkworms climb to spin cocoons; metaphor for reaching a goal.

いよいよ上族の時期が来た。

Technical
"繭を作る"

— To build a protective environment or a home.

新婚夫婦が自分たちの繭を作る。

Metaphorical
"桑の弓"

— A mulberry bow, historically used to ward off evil for newborn boys.

桑の弓で魔を払う。

Archaic/Ritual
"蚕の眠り"

— The molting stage of a silkworm; also used for deep, quiet sleep.

蚕の眠りのような静かな夜。

Poetic

Leicht verwechselbar

養蚕 vs 製糸 (Seishi)

Both are part of silk production.

養蚕 is raising the worms. 製糸 is reeling the silk from the cocoons. They are sequential steps.

養蚕農家が繭を売り、製糸工場が糸にする。(Sericulture farmers sell cocoons, and silk reeling factories turn them into thread.)

養蚕 vs 飼育 (Shiiku)

Both involve raising animals.

飼育 is general (pets, livestock). 養蚕 is specific to silkworms.

蚕の飼育を養蚕と呼ぶ。(Raising silkworms is called sericulture.)

養蚕 vs 栽培 (Saibai)

Often used together in agriculture.

栽培 is for plants (like mulberry). 養蚕 is for insects.

桑を栽培し、養蚕を行う。(Cultivate mulberry and perform sericulture.)

養蚕 vs 醸造 (Jouzo)

Both are traditional Japanese industries.

醸造 is brewing (sake, soy sauce). 養蚕 is silk farming.

この町は養蚕と醸造で栄えた。(This town flourished through sericulture and brewing.)

養蚕 vs 紡績 (Bouseki)

Both involve making thread.

紡績 is spinning (usually cotton or wool). 製糸 is for silk. 養蚕 is the farming part before both.

養蚕、製糸、そして紡績。(Sericulture, silk reeling, and then spinning.)

Satzmuster

B2

かつて〜は養蚕の拠点だった。

かつてこの町は養蚕の拠点だった。(This town used to be a hub for sericulture.)

B2

〜の背景には養蚕の発展がある。

地域の発展の背景には養蚕の発展がある。(Behind the region's development is the growth of sericulture.)

C1

養蚕が〜に果たした役割は大きい。

養蚕が日本の近代化に果たした役割は大きい。(The role that sericulture played in Japan's modernization is significant.)

C1

養蚕の衰退とともに、〜も失われた。

養蚕の衰退とともに、多くの伝統も失われた。(Along with the decline of sericulture, many traditions were also lost.)

A2

ここは養蚕で有名な場所です。

ここは養蚕で有名な場所です。(This is a place famous for sericulture.)

B1

養蚕のおかげで、〜できた。

養蚕のおかげで、学校を建てることができた。(Thanks to sericulture, we were able to build a school.)

C2

養蚕という生業(なりわい)に焦点を当てる。

養蚕という生業に焦点を当てる。(Focusing on the livelihood that is sericulture.)

B2

養蚕を次世代に継承する。

養蚕を次世代に継承する。(Passing down sericulture to the next generation.)

Wortfamilie

Substantive

養蚕 (Sericulture)
養蚕業 (Sericulture industry)
養蚕農家 (Sericulture farmer)
養蚕場 (Sericulture farm)
養蚕地帯 (Sericulture zone)

Verben

養蚕する (To practice sericulture)
蚕を飼う (To raise silkworms)

Adjektive

養蚕的な (Sericultural - rare)
蚕糸の (Related to silk thread)

Verwandt

製糸 (Silk reeling)
絹 (Silk)
繭 (Cocoon)
桑 (Mulberry)
蚕 (Silkworm)

So verwendest du es

frequency

Rare in daily life, high in historical and specialized contexts.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 養蚕 to mean the silkworm itself. Using 蚕 (kaiko) for the insect.

    養蚕 is the activity. You can't pet or see a 'yousan'; you see a 'kaiko'.

  • Misspelling 蚕 as 昼 (noon). Writing 蚕 with 虫 at the bottom.

    The radicals are different. 蚕 has 虫 (bug), 昼 has 旦 (dawn/horizon).

  • Saying 養蚕を飼う (raising sericulture). Saying 養蚕を営む or 蚕を飼う.

    You raise the insect (蚕), but you operate the business (養蚕).

  • Confusing 養蚕 (Yousan) with 予算 (Yosan). Using the long 'oo' sound for sericulture.

    Yosan (budget) is a very common word; confusing the two can cause major misunderstandings in business.

  • Using 養蚕 for spiders or bees. Using specific terms like 養蜂 (bees).

    養蚕 is exclusively for the silkworm moth larvae.

Tipps

Study History

To understand 養蚕, read about the Meiji Era. The word makes much more sense when you see it in the context of Japan's economic growth.

Heavenly Bug

Always remember the kanji 蚕 (silkworm) as the 'heavenly bug' (天 + 虫). This helps you remember its high status in Japanese culture.

Watch the Vowel

Ensure the 'Yo' in 'Yousan' is long. If it's short, it sounds like 'Yosan' (budget), which is a completely different topic.

Pair with Mulberry

Whenever you see 養蚕, look for the kanji 桑 (mulberry). They almost always appear together in texts.

Respect the Worm

Understand that silkworms are traditionally respected. Using 'O-kaiko-sama' in certain contexts shows deep cultural awareness.

Professional Verbs

Use '営む' (itonamu) to sound like a native speaker when discussing someone's occupation in sericulture.

Documentary Clues

In NHK programs, the word 養蚕 is often accompanied by the sound of mulberry leaves being cut. Use audio cues to help identify the topic.

Contextual Use

Only use 養蚕 in formal or historical contexts. For a child's hobby, use '蚕を飼う'.

Look for the Trays

In old photos, 養蚕 is identified by large rectangular wooden trays stacked on top of each other.

Biotech Link

Keep an eye out for 養蚕 in news about medicine. Genetically modified silk is a hot topic in Japanese science.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'YO-yo' and 'SUN'. You play with a silk YO-yo in the SUN while doing YO-SAN (sericulture).

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a white caterpillar (蚕) being fed (養) inside a traditional Japanese house on a mountain of mulberry leaves.

Word Web

Silk Mulberry Cocoon Meiji Era Gunma Agriculture Insect Tradition

Herausforderung

Try to find a product in your house made of silk. Then, say 'This silk comes from 養蚕' out loud three times in Japanese: 'この絹は養蚕から来ました。'

Wortherkunft

The word comes from the combination of '養' (to nurture) and '蚕' (silkworm). It has been used in Japan for centuries, but became a standardized administrative term during the Meiji era as the government sought to formalize agricultural exports.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To foster or raise silkworms.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Kultureller Kontext

Be respectful when discussing the decline of the industry, as it represents a lost way of life for many rural Japanese families.

In English-speaking countries, sericulture is often associated with the Silk Road and ancient China, but Japan's role as the world's leading silk exporter in the early 20th century is less commonly known.

Tomioka Silk Mill (UNESCO World Heritage Site) The novel 'Nomugi Pass' (Ah! Nomugi Toge) which depicts the hardships of silk workers. The Imperial Momijiyama Cocoonery.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

History Class

  • 明治時代の養蚕
  • 富岡製糸場と養蚕
  • 日本の輸出と養蚕
  • 養蚕の衰退の理由

Museum Visit

  • 養蚕の道具
  • 養蚕のプロセス
  • 伝統的な養蚕手法
  • 地域に根付いた養蚕

Rural Tourism

  • 養蚕農家の古民家
  • 桑の葉と養蚕
  • 養蚕体験
  • 昔の養蚕の様子

Biotechnology News

  • 次世代の養蚕
  • 医療用シルクと養蚕
  • 養蚕のイノベーション
  • スマート養蚕

Traditional Crafts

  • 養蚕から織物まで
  • 手仕事としての養蚕
  • 養蚕のこだわり
  • 高級絹織物と養蚕

Gesprächseinstiege

"日本の養蚕の歴史について何か知っていますか? (Do you know anything about the history of sericulture in Japan?)"

"群馬県が養蚕で有名な理由を知っていますか? (Do you know why Gunma Prefecture is famous for sericulture?)"

"蚕を実際に見たことがありますか? (Have you ever actually seen a silkworm?)"

"明治時代の日本の発展に、養蚕がどう貢献したか興味がありますか? (Are you interested in how sericulture contributed to Japan's development in the Meiji era?)"

"最近のバイオ養蚕という言葉を聞いたことがありますか? (Have you heard the term 'bio-sericulture' recently?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

もし自分が明治時代の養蚕農家だったら、どんな生活をしていたか想像して書いてみましょう。 (Imagine and write about what your life would be like if you were a sericulture farmer in the Meiji era.)

伝統的な養蚕が衰退してしまったことについて、あなたの考えを述べてください。 (State your thoughts on the decline of traditional sericulture.)

技術の進歩によって養蚕がどう変わるか、未来の姿を予想してください。 (Predict how sericulture will change in the future due to technological progress.)

「お蚕様」という言葉から、日本人の自然に対する考え方を考察してください。 (Examine the Japanese view of nature based on the term 'O-kaiko-sama'.)

あなたの国には、養蚕のような伝統的な産業がありますか?比較して書いてください。 (Does your country have a traditional industry like sericulture? Compare and write about it.)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, it has declined significantly. In the early 20th century, there were over 2 million sericulture households; now there are only a few hundred. It is mostly kept alive as a traditional craft or for high-end kimono production.

They eat mulberry leaves (桑の葉, kuwa no ha). In modern industrial 養蚕, they sometimes use artificial feed, but traditional methods rely solely on fresh mulberry.

It was the primary way Japan earned foreign currency after opening its borders in the 1850s. The money from silk exports funded Japan's industrialization and modernization during the Meiji era.

It is a tradition where the Empress of Japan personally raises silkworms at the palace. This tradition started in the Meiji era to encourage the industry and continues today as a symbolic cultural activity.

The best place is the Tomioka Silk Mill in Gunma Prefecture, or various 'Silk Museums' in Yokohama, Okaya, and Kyoto. Some rural villages still have mulberry fields and traditional houses.

No, 養蚕 is strictly for silkworms (Bombyx mori). Raising bees is '養蜂' (youhou), and raising fish is '養殖' (youshoku).

It is '養蚕農家' (yousan nouka). These farmers were once the wealthiest in their villages during the silk boom.

Kimonos are made of silk, which is the product of 養蚕. High-quality, hand-made kimonos often specify the type of 養蚕 used to produce the silk.

Yes, it is very labor-intensive. Silkworms must be fed multiple times a day, the temperature must be kept constant, and everything must be kept very clean to prevent disease.

Yes, you can say '養蚕する' (yousan suru), but it is more common to use the noun with verbs like '営む' (itonamu) or '行う' (okonau).

Teste dich selbst 180 Fragen

writing

「養蚕」を使って短い文を書いてください。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

養蚕に必要なものは何ですか?理由も書いてください。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

日本の歴史における養蚕の重要性について説明してください。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

養蚕の衰退が日本の農村に与えた影響を考察してください。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

現代における養蚕の新たな可能性について、あなたの意見を述べてください。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

蚕(かいこ)を見たことがありますか?感想を書いてください。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

「お蚕様」という言葉のニュアンスを説明してください。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

富岡製糸場が世界遺産になった理由を推測して書いてください。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

伝統的な養蚕を保存するために、どのような対策が必要だと思いますか?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

「養蚕」をテーマにしたキャッチコピーを考えてください。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

蚕が食べる葉っぱの名前は何ですか?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

養蚕が忙しい時期を何と言いますか?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

養蚕を仕事にしている人のことを何と言いますか?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

養蚕でとれた繭から糸を作る工程を何と言いますか?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

養蚕の神様を祀る習慣についてどう思いますか?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

「養蚕」の読み方をひらがなで書いてください。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

蚕が作る白い家を何と言いますか?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

養蚕に適した気候とは、どのような気候ですか?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

「養蚕」という言葉から連想する色を3つ挙げ、その理由を書いてください。

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

養蚕の歴史を英語で紹介する場合、どのように説明しますか?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

「養蚕」を正しく発音してください。

Read this aloud:

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speaking

養蚕について、知っていることを1つ話してください。

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

養蚕の歴史的な意義を1分間で説明してください。

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

現代社会における伝統的な養蚕の価値について議論してください。

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

養蚕と日本の精神文化の関わりについてスピーチしてください。

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

蚕が食べる葉っぱの名前を言ってください。

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

「お蚕様」を丁寧に発音してください。

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

養蚕農家の減少について、どう思いますか?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

富岡製糸場に行ったことがありますか?(または行きたいですか?)理由も添えて。

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

バイオ養蚕が成功したら、日本はどう変わると思いますか?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

「養蚕」を使った短い文を言ってください。

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

絹の糸は何からできていますか?日本語で説明してください。

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

養蚕の繁忙期の様子を想像して話してください。

Read this aloud:

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speaking

あなたの国の伝統産業と日本の養蚕を比較して話してください。

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

「養蚕の衰退は必然だった」という意見に賛成ですか、反対ですか?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

蚕の色は何色ですか?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

養蚕が盛んな県を1つ挙げてください。

Read this aloud:

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speaking

蚕の読み方を2種類言ってください。

Read this aloud:

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speaking

「蚕食」という言葉の意味を説明してください。

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

養蚕をテーマにした小説や映画を知っていますか?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

「養蚕」と聞こえたら手を挙げてください。(音声:予算、養蚕、要塞、養蚕)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

「蚕は桑の葉を食べます」と言っていますか?(音声:蚕は桑の葉を食べます)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

養蚕の繁忙期について話しています。いつが忙しいと言っていますか?(音声:養蚕は春と秋が一番忙しい時期です)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

養蚕の衰退の理由は何だと言っていますか?(音声:ナイロンなどの化学繊維の登場により、養蚕は衰退しました)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

このスピーチのテーマは何ですか?(音声:本日は、明治以降の日本の経済発展を支えた養蚕業の変遷についてお話しします)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

「蚕」の読み方は何と言っていますか?(音声:かいこ)

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

何農家の話をしていますか?(音声:私の家は代々、養蚕農家でした)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

どこが世界遺産だと言っていますか?(音声:富岡製糸場は養蚕の歴史を伝える世界遺産です)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

誰が養蚕を行っていると言っていますか?(音声:毎年、皇后陛下は紅葉山御養蚕所で作業をされます)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

養蚕の将来についてどう言っていますか?(音声:バイオ技術を活用した次世代の養蚕に期待が寄せられています)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

「養蚕」の発音を確認してください。(音声:ようさん)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

何の葉っぱの話をしていますか?(音声:桑の葉を摘むのは大変な作業でした)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

養蚕の「蚕」はどんな虫だと言っていますか?(音声:蚕は天の虫と書く、神聖な生き物です)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

養蚕が何に貢献したと言っていますか?(音声:養蚕は日本の近代化に大きく貢献しました)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

養蚕の現在の状況をどう表現していますか?(音声:伝統的な養蚕は風前の灯火ですが、新たな動きもあります)

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 180 correct

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