Translation guide
The English verb "carve" covers several distinct actions: cutting shapes into a hard material, slicing cooked meat, and figuratively creating or shaping something with effort. Japanese uses different verbs for each meaning.
To cut or engrave a design, pattern, or sculpture into a hard material like wood, stone, or ice.
carve a statue · carve initials into a tree · carve a pumpkin
The most common verb for carving into a material to create a shape, pattern, or sculpture. Used for wood, stone, metal, etc.
彼は木で熊を彫った。
He carved a bear out of wood.
石に名前を彫る。
Carve a name into stone.
Emphasizes cutting fine details, engraving, or mincing. Often used for engraving letters or intricate patterns.
指輪にイニシャルを刻んだ。
I had my initials engraved on the ring.
Formal term for sculpting or carving as an art form. Used for statues, sculptures, and artistic carving.
彼は大理石を彫刻して像を作った。
He carved a statue out of marble.
To cut cooked meat into slices for serving, especially at the table.
carve the turkey · carve the roast beef
General verb for cutting and dividing food into portions. Used for carving a roast, turkey, cake, etc.
彼がローストチキンを切り分けてくれた。
He carved the roast chicken for us.
Loanword from English 'slice'. Commonly used for slicing meat, bread, etc. Less formal than 切り分ける.
ハムを薄くスライスしてください。
Please carve the ham into thin slices.
Simple verb 'to cut'. Can be used for carving meat in casual contexts, but less specific.
お父さんが七面鳥を切ってくれる。
Dad will carve the turkey.
To create, shape, or establish something through determined effort, such as a career, path, or identity.
carve out a career · carve a path · carve out a niche
Literally 'cut open', used figuratively for carving out a path, future, or career through effort.
彼は自分の道を切り開いた。
He carved out his own path.
新市場を切り開く。
Carve out a new market.
To build or establish something over time, such as a career, reputation, or relationship. Often used for 'carve out a career'.
Using 彫る (horu) for carving meat would mean engraving or sculpting it, which is incorrect. Use 切り分ける or スライスする instead.
彫る (horu) is for carving shapes or sculptures, while 刻む (kizamu) emphasizes fine engraving or mincing. For carving a statue, use 彫る; for engraving letters, 刻む is better.
She carved out a career for herself.
To build up or create something through effort. Can be used for 'carve out a niche' or 'carve out a reputation'.
彼は独自の地位を作り上げた。
He carved out a unique position for himself.