How to say "calf" in Japanese

• 子牛こうしCommon
  nounThe word for a calf itself — the young of cattle. Use it when the animal's youth is the point, as when a calf is seen beside its mother in a pasture.
  毎朝まいあさ、雌牛めうしは仔牛こうしに乳ちちをやる。↗

  Cows give their calves milk every morning.
• 牛うしJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe general word for cattle — a cow, bull, or ox — as on a farm or ranch. It is not the specific term for a calf; use 子牛 for the young animal.
  父ちちは牧場ぼくじょうを持もっていて牛うしや馬うまを飼育しいくしている。↗

  My father has a ranch and breeds cattle and horses.

For the animal sense of "calf", use 子牛; 牛 is the general word for cattle — a cow, bull, or ox — and is not the specific term for a young calf.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 子牛こうしcalf
• 牛うしcattle (Bos taurus)
• こむらcalf (of the leg)
• カーフcalf
• ふくらはぎcalf
• 素牛もとうしcalf (before it is fattened or used for breeding, usu. referring to 6 to 12-month-olds)
• 育成牛いくせいぎゅうcalf
• べべcalf