Translation guide
The English word 'carving' can refer to the act of cutting a material to create a shape, or to the resulting object. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the material and context.
To refer to the process of cutting or shaping a material like wood, stone, or ice.
The most general term for carving as an art form, covering both the act and the resulting sculpture. Often used for wood, stone, etc.
彼は木の彫刻を習っている。
He is learning wood carving.
The verb 'to carve' (transitive). Used for carving wood, stone, seals, etc. Can also mean to engrave or tattoo.
木を彫って鳥の形を作った。
I carved a bird shape out of wood.
Refers to carved objects or the craft of carving, often used in traditional contexts like wood carving or tattooing.
この神社の彫り物は素晴らしい。
The carvings at this shrine are wonderful.
To refer to a finished piece of carving, such as a statue or decorative item.
Can refer to both the act and the resulting sculpture. Commonly used for art pieces.
この彫刻は有名な作家の作品です。
This carving is a work by a famous artist.
Often used for decorative carvings on buildings, furniture, or traditional crafts.
Specifically a wood carving or the act of wood carving.
To talk about carving as an activity or skill, often for leisure.
Used for the art or practice of carving.
趣味で彫刻をやっています。
I do carving as a hobby.
Specifically wood carving as a craft.
To refer to slicing cooked meat, especially at the table.
The general verb for carving or cutting meat into portions. Used for roasts, turkey, 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.
The noun form, meaning the act of carving meat.
肉の切り分けは彼の役目だ。
Carving the meat is his job.
彫刻 (chōkoku) is the standard term for sculpture/carving as fine art. 彫り物 (horimono) often implies traditional decorative carving or even tattooing. For general art contexts, use 彫刻.
美術館で彫刻を見た。
I saw sculptures at the art museum.
この建物には見事な彫り物がある。
This building has splendid carvings.
The verb 彫る (horu) means to carve into a material like wood or stone. It is not used for slicing meat. Use 切り分ける (kiriwakeru) instead.
欄間の彫り物が美しい。
The carvings on the transom are beautiful.
I bought a wooden bear carving as a souvenir.
I attend a wood carving class on weekends.