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.
彼は木から鳥の形を彫り出した。
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.
To spare or set aside time, money, or effort for something, often from a limited supply.
I carved out time for studying despite being busy.
To manage to find or squeeze out resources (time, money) with difficulty. Implies creative effort.
We somehow carved out funds from the budget.
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.