Translation guide
The English word 'axe' refers to a tool for chopping wood or a weapon. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 斧 (おの), but there are also specific terms for different types of axes and hatchets.
The most common, everyday word for an axe used for chopping wood or as a weapon.
The standard Japanese word for 'axe'. Covers both tools and weapons.
彼は斧で木を切った。
He cut the tree with an axe.
Sharpen an axe.
A smaller, one-handed axe often used for camping or light chopping.
A hatchet or small axe, literally 'hand axe'. Note: can also be read ておの, but ちょうな is more common for the tool.
I bring a hatchet to camp.
A heavy, thick-bladed hatchet or machete-like tool used for chopping wood and clearing brush. Often translated as 'hatchet' or 'billhook'.
A large, heavy axe used as a weapon in historical or fantasy contexts.
To cut or remove something drastically, like jobs or budgets.
The Japanese noun 斧 (おの) cannot be used as a verb. To express 'to axe' in the sense of cutting jobs or budgets, use verbs like 削減する or 打ち切る.
Split firewood with a hatchet.
その番組は打ち切られた。
The show was axed.