Translation guide
The English verb "dig" covers a wide range of actions from physically breaking up earth to searching for information. This guide organizes the most common meanings for learners and provides natural Japanese equivalents.
To make a hole in the ground or move soil using a tool or hands.
The most common and general verb for digging a hole, trench, or uprooting plants. Transitive verb.
The dog dug a hole in the garden.
彼はスコップで土を掘っている。
He is digging the soil with a shovel.
To dig up or turn over soil, often implying a more thorough or disruptive action.
畑を掘り返して野菜を植えた。
I dug up the field and planted vegetables.
To dig up something buried, like potatoes or artifacts.
じゃがいもを掘り起こした。
We dug up the potatoes.
To investigate or look for something thoroughly, often hidden or not easily accessible.
General verb for looking into or researching something. Often used with 詳しく (in detail) to convey 'digging'.
その問題についてもっと詳しく調べてみます。
I'll dig deeper into that issue.
To probe or investigate, often used for uncovering secrets or hidden truths.
Literally 'dig down', used metaphorically to mean delve deeply into a topic.
To enjoy, understand, or approve of something. Informal.
The standard way to say you like something. Not slangy, but natural.
私、この曲すごく好きだな。
I really dig this song.
To be pleased with something; to take a liking to it.
Slang for being really into something, hooked on it. Closer to 'dig' in casual tone.
To thrust something into or press against something else.
To thrust or stick something into. Can be used for elbows, hands, etc.
彼はポケットに手を突っ込んだ。
He dug his hands into his pockets.
To press something against. Used when 'dig' means to press firmly.
To start eating enthusiastically or to apply oneself diligently to a task.
Simply 'start eating'. For 'dig in' as an invitation to eat, use どうぞ召し上がれ or さあ食べよう.
さあ、みんな、食べ始めよう！
Alright everyone, dig in!
To get down to business, put one's back into something. For 'dig in' meaning to work hard.
そろそろ本腰を入れて勉強しなきゃ。
I need to dig in and study soon.
Avoid directly translating 'dig' as 掘る when talking about research. Use 調べる or 探る instead. 掘る is only for physical digging.
掘る is the basic 'dig'. 掘り返す implies turning over soil roughly or repeatedly. 掘り起こす focuses on unearthing something specific.
The journalist is digging into the politician's past.
このテーマをもっと掘り下げて話しましょう。
Let's dig deeper into this topic.
彼の新しいスタイル、気に入ったよ。
I dig his new style.
I've been digging this game lately.
彼女は彼の背中に指を押し付けた。
She dug her finger into his back.