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.
Please fasten the documents with a clip.
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.
The paper clip broke.
A generic term for a fastener or clip. Used in technical or descriptive contexts.
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.
Please send me that video clip.
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.
I got my hair cut.
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.
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.
I clipped the dog's fur.
To move at a fast pace, often used in phrases like 'at a brisk 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.
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.
Did you hear the clip of this song?
I took a short video clip.
I clipped the lawn.
He clipped his hair short.
クーポンを切り取ってください。
Please clip the coupon.
I clipped off the dead branch.
仕事がどんどん進んだ。
The work progressed at a good clip.
クリップに弾を込めた。
He loaded the clip with bullets.