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.
厚紙から星の形を切り抜いた。
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.
職人が一枚の板から仏像を削り出した。
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.
彼女は新しい分野で自分の道を切り開いた。
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.
その会社は市場で一定のシェアを確保した。
The company carved out a certain share of the market.
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.
忙しい中でも勉強の時間を割いた。
I carved out time for studying despite being busy.
To manage to find or squeeze out resources (time, money) with difficulty. Implies creative effort.
予算からなんとか資金を捻出した。
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.
彼は長年の努力で確固たる地位を築き上げた。
He carved out a solid position through years of effort.