子羊(こひつじ)

こひつじ
noun
lamb; young sheep
1. lamb; young sheep
A young sheep. Used both for the live animal and for lamb meat in cooking contexts.
子羊(こひつじ)が生(う)まれた。
A lamb was born.
牧場(ぼくじょう)で子羊(こひつじ)に触(さわ)れる。
You can pet lambs at the farm.
子羊(こひつじ)の肉(にく)はやわらかくて臭(くさ)みが少(すく)ない。
Lamb meat is tender and has less of a gamey smell.

Composed of 子(こ) (young, offspring) + 羊(ひつじ) (sheep). Refers to a young sheep, typically under one year old. Also used as a food term for lamb meat, though ラム is more common in restaurant menus.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 子羊(こひつじ)の肉(にく): lamb meat
  • 迷(まよ)える子羊(こひつじ): a lost lamb (figuratively, someone who is lost or confused)
  • 子羊(こひつじ)のロースト: roast lamb

CULTURAL NOTE:
The phrase 迷(まよ)える子羊(こひつじ) (lost lamb) comes from Christian scripture and is used figuratively in Japanese to describe someone who is troubled, lost, or seeking guidance. It is widely understood even among non-Christians.

RELATED TERMS:

  • 羊(ひつじ): sheep (adult)
  • ラム: lamb (as a meat term, from English)
general
Added 2026.3.30 6:20
20500/20648_kohitsuji