Translation guide
The English phrase "carve out" has several distinct meanings. This guide helps learners express each meaning naturally in Japanese, from physically cutting something out to creating a niche or achieving something through effort.
To remove material from a larger whole by cutting, often to create a specific shape or hollow area.
General verb for carving or engraving, used for wood, stone, etc. Can imply creating a shape by cutting away material.
He carved out a bird shape from the wood.
To cut out a shape from a flat material like paper or cloth, or to hollow out. Emphasizes cutting along an outline.
I carved out a star shape from the cardboard.
To carve out by shaving or whittling, often used for creating sculptures or precise shapes from a block.
The craftsman carved out a Buddha statue from a single board.
To establish or obtain something (a role, niche, reputation) by persistent effort, often against competition or difficulty.
Literally 'cut open', used metaphorically to mean carving out a path, future, or niche through one's own efforts.
She carved out her own path in a new field.
To secure or ensure something, like a share of the market. More formal and business-like.
To separate a part from a larger whole, often for a specific purpose, like carving out time or resources.
When 'carve out' is used metaphorically (e.g., 'carve out a career'), do not use physical cutting verbs like 彫る or 切る. Use phrases like 切り開く or 築き上げる instead.
To build up or establish something like a career or reputation over time. Emphasizes gradual construction.
He carved out a solid position through years of effort.
The company carved out a certain share of the market.
We somehow carved out funds from the budget.