子豚
kobuta[ko̞bɯ̟ta̠]
The English phrase 'piggy' is translated into Japanese as 子豚 (kobuta).
子豚 literally means a young pig, but it is also used as a diminutive or cute way to refer to a pig, similar to the English word 'piggy'.
How do you pronounce it?
kobuta
Did you know?
- While 'piggy' is an affectionate term in English, calling a person 子豚 in Japanese can be perceived as much more infantilizing or even insulting due to the heavy emphasis on 'smallness'.
- While 子豚 is the word for a young pig, the general word for pig 豚 is often replaced by ブタ in katakana to make it look 'cuter' or more like a brand name, similar to how 'piggy' functions in English.
- Unlike in English where 'piggy' might be used in children's songs, a Japanese speaker is more likely to use the onomatopoeia ブーブー (buu-buu) to mimic the sound of a pig.
Examples in context
- 子豚が走っています。Kobuta ga hashitte imasu.A young pig is running.
- あの子豚はとても可愛いです。Ano kobuta wa totemo kawaii desu.That little pig is very cute.
- 農場にたくさんの子豚がいます。Noujou ni takusan no kobuta ga imasu.There are many young pigs on the farm.
Example conversation
Two friends are visiting a small farm.
- 結衣 Yuiあの子豚、すごく小さいね！Ano kobuta, sugoku chiisai ne!That little pig is so small!
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。可愛い子豚だね。Hontou da. Kawaii kobuta da ne.You're right. It's a cute little pig.
- 結衣 Yuiもっと近くで見たいな。Motto chikaku de mitai na.I want to see it closer.
- 陽太 Yota一緒に行こう。Issho ni ikou.Let's go together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 子豚, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
