(こうま)

こうま
noun
foal; pony; young horse
1. foal; pony; young horse
A young horse, typically one that has not yet reached maturity. Can refer to both colts (male) and fillies (female).
子馬(こうま)()まれた。
A foal was born.
子馬(こうま)母馬(ははうま)のそばを(はし)っている。
The foal is running alongside its mother.
牧場(ぼくじょう)子馬(こうま)(さわ)ることができて、()どもたちは大喜(おおよろこ)びだった。
The children were thrilled to be able to touch the foals at the ranch.

Compound of () (young, small) + (うま) (horse). Follows the common pattern of () + animal to indicate a young animal.

RELATED TERMS:

  • 子犬(こいぬ) — puppy
  • 子猫(こねこ) — kitten
  • 子牛(こうし) — calf
  • 親馬(おやうま) — parent horse
  • 母馬(ははうま) — mare (mother horse)

CULTURAL NOTE:
Horses have a long history in Japan, particularly in 北海道(ほっかいどう) where horse breeding is still a major industry. The 日高(ひだか) region is famous for thoroughbred breeding.