Translation guide
The English word "clip" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones: a fastener, a short video or audio segment, the action of cutting or trimming, and a quick pace. It also touches on less common uses like a magazine clip for ammunition.
A small device used to hold things together or attach them.
The most common and direct loanword for a clip, used for paper clips, hair clips, etc.
書類をクリップで留めてください。
Please fasten the documents with a clip.
髪をクリップでまとめた。
I put my hair up with a clip.
Specifically a paper clip or a clip for holding papers. More descriptive than クリップ.
紙挟みが切れてしまった。
The paper clip broke.
A generic term for a fastener or clip. Used in technical or descriptive contexts.
このバッグの留め具が壊れた。
The clip on this bag broke.
A short segment of video or audio.
The standard loanword for a short video or audio clip, especially in digital contexts.
その動画クリップを送ってください。
Please send me that video clip.
この曲のクリップを聞いた？
Did you hear the clip of this song?
Means 'video' in general, but can be used for a clip when context is clear. Often used in compounds like 短い動画 (short video).
To cut something with scissors or clippers, often to make it shorter or neater.
The general verb for 'cut'. Can be used for hair, nails, paper, etc. For hair, often used with 髪を切る.
髪を切ってもらった。
I got my hair cut.
爪を切るのを忘れた。
I forgot to clip my nails.
Specifically for cutting or trimming plants, grass, or hair (like a buzz cut). Implies a closer, more even trim.
庭の芝生を刈った。
I clipped the lawn.
To cut off or clip off a part, like a coupon or a branch. Emphasizes removing a piece.
Loanword from 'trimming', used for trimming hair, nails, or images. Often used in pet grooming or photo editing.
犬の毛をトリミングした。
I clipped the dog's fur.
To move at a fast pace, often used in phrases like 'at a brisk clip'.
The most natural way to express 'at a fast clip'. Literally 'at a fast pace'.
彼は速いペースで歩いていた。
He was walking at a fast clip.
An onomatopoeic adverb meaning 'rapidly' or 'steadily', often used for progress or movement.
仕事がどんどん進んだ。
The work progressed at a good clip.
A device for holding cartridges to be fed into a firearm.
切る is the general verb for cutting. 刈る is specifically for trimming plants, grass, or hair evenly. 切り取る emphasizes cutting off and removing a piece, like a coupon or a branch.
髪を切る (general haircut) vs. 芝生を刈る (mow/clip the lawn) vs. クーポンを切り取る (clip out a coupon)
切る for general cutting, 刈る for trimming/mowing, 切り取る for cutting off a piece.
The loanword クリップ only means a fastener or a video/audio clip. It does not mean the action of cutting. Use 切る or other verbs for that.
I took a short video clip.
彼は髪を短く刈り上げた。
He clipped his hair short.
クーポンを切り取ってください。
Please clip the coupon.
枯れた枝を切り取った。
I clipped off the dead branch.
クリップに弾を込めた。
He loaded the clip with bullets.