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.
He is learning wood carving.
The verb 'to carve' (transitive). Used for carving wood, stone, seals, etc. Can also mean to engrave or tattoo.
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.
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.
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.
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.
He carved the roast chicken for us.
The noun form, meaning the act of carving meat.
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.
I saw sculptures at the art museum.
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.
carve meat (incorrect)
欄間の彫り物が美しい。
The carvings on the transom are beautiful.
お土産に木彫りの熊を買った。
I bought a wooden bear carving as a souvenir.
週末に木彫り教室に通っている。
I attend a wood carving class on weekends.
carve meat (correct)