Translation guide
The English word 'chalk' can refer to the soft white limestone used for writing or drawing, or to the sticks of this material used on blackboards or sidewalks. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is チョーク, a loanword from English, but native words like 白墨 exist for specific contexts.
チョーク
chalk (for blackboard)
The sticks used for writing on blackboards or drawing on sidewalks.
The most common and general term for chalk used in classrooms or for art. A loanword from English.
先生はチョークで黒板に字を書いた。
The teacher wrote on the blackboard with chalk.
チョークが折れてしまった。
The chalk broke.
A native Japanese word for chalk, literally 'white ink'. It can sound slightly formal or old-fashioned, but is still understood.
白墨で線を引く。
Draw a line with chalk.
The soft white limestone substance itself, used in geology or industry.
Also used for the mineral, especially in contexts like rock climbing or geology.
この崖はチョークでできている。
This cliff is made of chalk.
The geological term for chalk, often used in scientific contexts or place names like the White Cliffs of Dover (ドーバーの白亜の崖).
A special type of chalk used for marking fabric in sewing.
Short for 'chalk' in sewing contexts, often used in compound words like チャコペン (chalk pen) or チャコ紙 (chalk paper).
布にチャコで印をつける。
Mark the fabric with tailor's chalk.
Can be used generically, but チャコ is more specific and common in sewing.
Powdered chalk used to improve grip in sports like gymnastics, weightlifting, or rock climbing.
Used for powdered chalk in sports. Often seen in compounds like チョークバッグ (chalk bag).
体操選手は手にチョークをつける。
Gymnasts put chalk on their hands.
A general term for anti-slip agent, which can include chalk but is broader.
チョーク is the everyday word for chalk in schools and art. 白墨 is more formal and may appear in written contexts or traditional settings, but is less common in speech.
The Cretaceous period is the age of dinosaurs.
Draw a line on the fabric with chalk.
Use anti-slip powder.