飼う

The Japanese verb 飼う (kau) is a foundational word in the Japanese language, specifically used to describe the act of keeping or raising an animal as a pet or for livestock purposes. Unlike the English word 'raise,' which can apply to children, plants, or animals, kau is strictly reserved for the animal kingdom. Understanding this word requires a grasp of the Japanese relationship with domesticity and the specific grammatical boundaries that separate human care from animal husbandry. When you use this verb, you are indicating a sustained responsibility for the life and well-being of a non-human creature. It encompasses feeding, sheltering, and providing general care over a period of time. It is not used for a one-time interaction or for wild animals that happen to live in your garden without your intervention. The word implies a social contract between the owner and the animal, often reflecting the Japanese cultural value of sewa (care-taking).

Grammatical Category

Godan Verb (u-ending verb). It conjugates to kawanai (negative), kaimasu (polite), and katte (te-form).

In modern Japan, where urban living is the norm, the use of kau often comes with heavy contextual baggage regarding apartment rules. Many 'mansions' (apartments) in Tokyo have strict 'pet forbidden' (pet-kinshi) policies. Therefore, asking someone 'Petto o katte imasu ka?' (Do you keep a pet?) is not just a casual question but often a lead-in to discussing lifestyle, housing, and the emotional companionship that pets provide in a high-stress society. The word evokes images of Shiba Inus in parks, calico cats on porches, or even the more modern trend of keeping exotic reptiles or insects like the stag beetle (kuwagata). Because the word is so common, it is one of the first verbs learners encounter in the A2 level to describe their personal lives and hobbies. It connects deeply to the concept of the 'home' (uchi) and who is considered a member of that inner circle.

The kanji for kau is 飼. If you look closely at the left side of the character, you will see the radical for 'food' or 'eat' (食). The right side (司) provides the phonetic component but also relates to administration or control. Together, they visually represent the act of providing food and managing the life of an animal. This etymological root reinforces the idea that kau is about the physical act of sustenance. Whether you are a farmer raising hundreds of chickens or a child with a single goldfish in a bowl, the verb remains the same. It scales from industrial agriculture to the most intimate domestic settings. In recent years, the term kai-nushi (pet owner) has become standard, literally meaning the 'master of keeping,' further cementing the role of the human in this relationship.

Social Nuance

In Japanese culture, keeping a pet is seen as a sign of responsibility and emotional maturity. It is a common topic in 'jikoshokai' (self-introductions).

Furthermore, the verb is often used in the continuous form katte iru to describe a current state of ownership. If you say 'Inu o kau,' it sounds like a declaration of future intent (I will keep a dog). To say you currently have one, you must say 'Inu o katte imasu.' This distinction is vital for learners to grasp early on. The verb also appears in various compound forms and idiomatic expressions, though its literal meaning is the most frequent. From the perspective of a language learner, mastering kau allows you to engage in one of the most universal human conversations: the love and care for animals. It bridges the gap between basic survival Japanese and the ability to express personal desires and domestic realities.

Common Objects

Dogs (inu), Cats (neko), Hamsters (hamusutaa), Rabbits (usagi), Goldfish (kingyo), and Birds (tori).

In conclusion, kau is more than just a verb; it is a window into the Japanese domestic sphere. It requires the direct object particle o and pairs with a wide variety of animal nouns. As you progress in your studies, you will find that this verb is the gateway to discussing responsibility, affection, and the logistical challenges of living with animals in Japan. Whether you are discussing a childhood pet or a future farm, kau is the essential tool for expressing that bond.

Using 飼う (kau) correctly involves understanding its role as a transitive verb that requires an object—the animal being kept. The basic sentence structure is [Animal] + [Particle を] + [Form of 飼う]. For example, 'Neko o kau' means 'to keep a cat.' However, the nuance changes significantly depending on the conjugation used. For beginners at the A2 level, the most important forms to master are the dictionary form (for future intent or general statements), the ~te iru form (for current state), and the polite ~masu form for daily conversation. Because it is a Godan verb ending in 'u', its conjugation follows the pattern of changing the 'u' sound to 'wa' for the negative (kawanai) and using a double 't' for the te-form (katte).

Dictionary Form (Future/Habit)

将来、広い家で犬を飼うつもりです。(I intend to keep a dog in a spacious house in the future.)

One of the most common pitfalls for English speakers is the confusion between kau (to keep) and sodateru (to raise). While 'raise' is often used in English for pets, in Japanese, sodateru emphasizes the process of growth and education, whereas kau emphasizes the act of ownership and providing daily sustenance. If you say you are 'raising' a pet, you might use sodateru if you are focusing on its development from a baby, but for general ownership, kau is the standard. Another crucial point is the potential form, kaeru (can keep). In Japan, many rentals do not allow pets, so you will often hear 'Petto ga kaeru apato' (An apartment where you can keep pets). Note that when using the potential form, the particle often shifts from o to ga.

The verb also works well with frequency and duration adverbs. You might say 'Ju-nenkan inu o katte imashita' (I kept a dog for ten years). Or you could use it in a conditional sense: 'Moshi neko o kattara, mainichi tanoshii deshou' (If I kept a cat, every day would probably be fun). In more advanced contexts, you might see the passive form kawarete iru, used to describe an animal that is being kept by someone. For instance, 'Sono inu wa yasashii kainushi ni kawarete imasu' (That dog is being kept by a kind owner). This shifts the focus to the animal's experience. In agricultural settings, the verb is used for livestock: 'Ushi o kau' (to raise cattle) or 'Buta o kau' (to raise pigs).

Potential Form

一人暮らしですが、ハムスターなら飼えると思います。(I live alone, but I think I can keep a hamster.)

When discussing the desire to keep a pet, the ~tai form is used: 'Petto o kaitai desu' (I want to keep a pet). This is a very common phrase for children or people living in restrictive housing. It is also important to note the negative form kawanai. If someone asks if you have a pet and you don't, you would say 'Iie, katte imasen.' Using kawanai would imply a strong will or decision not to keep one. The nuances of Japanese verb aspects (state vs. action) are perfectly illustrated by kau. Mastery of these patterns ensures that you don't just communicate the fact of pet ownership, but also the subtle intentions and circumstances surrounding it.

Causative Form

親は私にペットを飼わせてくれませんでした。(My parents wouldn't let me keep a pet.)

Finally, consider the register. While kau is neutral and can be used in almost any situation, in very formal or scientific writing (like a zoo or laboratory), you might see shiiku suru (to breed/rear). However, for 99% of daily interactions, kau is the perfect, natural choice. It conveys a sense of warmth and domestic life that more technical terms lack. By practicing these different sentence patterns, you will be able to describe your past, present, and future relationships with animals with precision and ease.

The verb 飼う (kau) is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, appearing in conversations, media, and public notices. One of the most common places you will hear it is in casual social settings. Japanese people often use pet ownership as a 'small talk' topic. At a party or a new workplace, someone might ask, 'Nanika petto o katte imasu ka?' (Do you keep any pets?). This is a safe, friendly icebreaker. You will also hear it frequently in the context of childhood stories. Many people reminisce about the animals they 'kept' when they were young, whether it was a beetle caught in the woods or a family dog. The word carries a nostalgic weight in these contexts, representing a time of learning responsibility and experiencing the joy of animal companionship.

Real Estate Context

When searching for housing, you will see the phrase ペット可 (petto-ka) which means 'pets allowed,' or ペット相談 (petto-sodan) meaning 'pets negotiable.' In these discussions, the agent will ask, 'Nani o kaimasu ka?' (What [animal] will you keep?).

In Japanese media, kau is a staple of 'lifestyle' television programs and variety shows. There are entire shows dedicated to 'pets that are being kept by celebrities.' You will hear hosts exclaim, 'Konna mezurashii doubutsu o katte iru n desu ka!' (You are keeping such a rare animal!). In anime and manga, the trope of a character finding a stray animal and begging their parents to 'let them keep it' ('Katte mo ii?') is extremely common. This reflects a real-world social dynamic where space and parental permission are major hurdles for pet ownership in Japan. The emotional plea 'Kaitai!' (I want to keep it!) is a phrase every Japanese child knows well.

Public spaces and parks are other prime locations to hear kau. You might overhear dog owners at a 'dog run' (dog park) discussing their pets. They use the word to compare notes on breeds and care habits. Notices in parks often use the verb to remind owners of their duties: 'Inu o kau kata wa, mana o mamorimashou' (Those who keep dogs, please follow etiquette). This usage is slightly more formal but still uses the standard verb. In schools, particularly elementary schools, kau is used in the context of 'classroom pets' like rabbits or fish. Students are assigned to the shiiku-gakari (rearing committee), and they talk about how they kau the animals together as a class responsibility.

The 'Stray Animal' Scenario

In dramas, you often hear the phrase 拾って飼う (hirotte kau), which means 'to pick up (a stray) and keep it.' This is a common narrative arc for forming a bond with an animal.

In the digital world, YouTube channels and Instagram accounts dedicated to pets use kau in their titles and descriptions. Phrases like 'Neko o hajimete kau kata e' (To those keeping a cat for the first time) are common headings for advice videos. The verb is also used in the context of 'virtual pets' like Tamagotchi or modern smartphone games. Even though the animal isn't physical, the verb kau is used because the player is responsible for its 'sustenance' and 'growth.' This shows the verb's flexibility in adapting to new technology while maintaining its core meaning of 'sustained care.'

Common Questions

'Doko de katte imasu ka?' (Where do you keep it? - e.g., indoors or outdoors) and 'Nani o katte imasu ka?' (What are you keeping?).

Whether it's a heartfelt conversation about a lost pet, a legal clause in a rental agreement, or a child's excited plea for a hamster, kau is the heartbeat of animal-human interactions in Japan. Hearing it in these various contexts will help you understand that it's not just a dictionary definition, but a word that carries the weight of responsibility, companionship, and the daily rhythms of Japanese life.

The verb 飼う (kau) is deceptively simple, leading many learners into several common traps. The most frequent and potentially embarrassing mistake is using kau when referring to human beings. In English, we might say 'I was raised by my grandmother,' and a learner might mistakenly translate this using a form of kau. However, kau is strictly for animals. Using it for a person—whether a child, a spouse, or a friend—is incredibly insulting, as it implies the person is an animal or a piece of property you are 'maintaining.' For humans, you must use sodateru (to raise/nurture) or kyoyo suru (to support/provide for). This distinction is non-negotiable in Japanese social etiquette.

Human vs. Animal

Mistake: 'Kodomo o kau' (Keeping a child) - INCORRECT. Correct: 'Kodomo o sodateru' (Raising a child).

Another common error is the homophone confusion. Kau (飼う - to keep) and Kau (買う - to buy) sound exactly the same. While context usually clears this up, it can lead to confusion in speech if the sentence is short. For example, 'Inu o kaimasu' could mean 'I will buy a dog' or 'I will keep a dog.' To be clear, Japanese speakers often use katte iru (keeping) vs kau (buy) to differentiate. In writing, using the wrong kanji is a frequent mistake for students. Always double-check that you are using the 'food' radical version (飼) for keeping pets and the 'shell/money' radical version (買) for purchasing them. Mixing them up can change the entire meaning of your sentence, from a long-term commitment to a simple transaction.

A third mistake involves the 'state vs. action' aspect of Japanese verbs. In English, 'I have a dog' and 'I keep a dog' are often interchangeable. In Japanese, if you say 'Inu o kaimasu,' it sounds like you are just about to start the process of keeping one, or you do it habitually as a job. To express the current state of pet ownership, you must use the continuous form 'Inu o katte imasu.' Many learners forget this and use the simple present form, which sounds unnatural in a conversation about your current life. Similarly, when talking about the past, 'Inu o kaimashita' (I bought a dog) is often confused with 'Inu o katte imashita' (I used to keep a dog). The latter is what you want when reminiscing about childhood pets.

Particle Errors

Mistake: 'Inu ni kau' - INCORRECT. The animal is the direct object, so you must use 'o'. 'Inu o kau'.

Fourthly, learners sometimes confuse kau with tsureru (to take along). If you are walking your dog, you are not 'keeping' it in that specific moment; you are 'taking it for a walk' (sanpo ni tsurete iku). Kau refers to the overall relationship and responsibility, not the physical act of being with the animal. Using kau to describe a temporary interaction, like playing with a cat at a cat cafe, is also incorrect. You only kau an animal if you are the one responsible for its daily needs and housing. For a cafe visit, you would use asobu (play) or fureau (interact).

Confusing with 'Sodateru'

While you can 'sodateru' (raise) a puppy, 'kau' is the standard verb for the entire life of the pet. Use 'sodateru' for the 'growth' phase and 'kau' for the 'ownership' status.

By being mindful of these distinctions—especially the human/animal divide and the state/action aspect—you can avoid the most common blunders. Japanese verbs are often more specific than their English counterparts, and kau is a perfect example of why context and the nature of the 'object' (living being) matter so much in Japanese grammar.

While 飼う (kau) is the primary verb for keeping pets, several other words share similar semantic space or offer more specific nuances. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more natural and precise. The most frequent comparison is with sodateru (育てる). While kau focuses on the act of keeping and providing for an animal, sodateru focuses on the nurturing, growth, and development. You kau a dog as your pet, but you sodateru a puppy into a well-behaved adult dog. Crucially, sodateru can be used for humans (raising children) and plants (growing flowers), whereas kau is restricted to animals.

飼う (Kau) vs. 育てる (Sodateru)

Kau: Focus on ownership and physical care of animals. Sodateru: Focus on nurturing and growth of animals, humans, or plants.

Another important alternative is shiiku suru (飼育する). This is a more formal, technical, or academic term. You will see it at zoos, research facilities, or in textbooks. While kau is the word for a family having a cat, shiiku suru is the word for a zookeeper managing a tiger's habitat. It implies a more systematic or professional level of care. Similarly, yashinau (養う) is used when the focus is on providing financial support or 'feeding' someone. It is often used for supporting a family, but can occasionally be used for animals in a literary or high-register context to emphasize the burden of providing food.

For specific types of 'keeping,' there are even more specialized verbs. For example, moteru (持てる) is sometimes used in the context of 'possessing' something, but never for pets. However, motsu (持つ) is used for 'having' objects. You have a car (kuruma o motte iru), but you keep a dog (inu o katte iru). Using motsu for a pet sounds like the animal is a lifeless object. Another related phrase is kyoyo suru (供養する), which refers to holding a memorial service for a pet after it has passed away—a common practice in Japan that reflects the deep bond formed during the years of kau.

飼う (Kau) vs. 養う (Yashinau)

Kau: Standard for pets/livestock. Yashinau: To support/provide for (usually family or dependents).

In casual conversation, you might also hear petto ga iru (there is a pet / I have a pet). This is a very common way to state the existence of a pet in your life without using the verb kau. For example, 'Uchi ni wa neko ga imasu' (There is a cat at my house) is often used interchangeably with 'Neko o katte imasu.' The former is slightly more passive, while the latter emphasizes your role as the caretaker. Finally, asobu (to play) is what you do with the pet. While you kau the dog, you inu to asobu (play with the dog). Mixing these up can make your Japanese sound disjointed.

Summary of Alternatives

1. Sodateru (Raise/Nurture) 2. Shiiku suru (Rear professionally) 3. Sewa o suru (Take care of) 4. Yashinau (Provide for) 5. ...ga iru (To have/exist).

By choosing the right word from this set, you demonstrate a deeper understanding of Japanese social hierarchy and the specific nature of the care being provided. Kau remains the 'gold standard' for pet ownership, but knowing when to use sodateru or shiiku suru marks the transition from a beginner to an intermediate speaker.