Translation guide
How to express 'dig out' in Japanese, covering physical excavation, retrieving hidden items, and uncovering information.
To remove something by digging, such as soil, treasure, or a stuck object.
The most direct and common verb for digging something out, emphasizing the action of unearthing.
I dug out an old pot from the garden.
General verb for 'to dig'. Can be used with context to imply digging out, but less specific than 掘り出す.
I dug a hole and dug out the buried treasure.
Formal term for excavating, often used in archaeology or construction. Implies a systematic digging out.
They excavated ancient artifacts from the ruins.
To find and pull out an object that is buried under other things, like in a drawer or pile.
Literally 'pull out', used for dragging something out from a cluttered or hidden spot. Very natural for everyday situations.
I dug out my winter coat from the closet.
Means 'take out'. More neutral than 引っ張り出す, but can be used for digging out when the action is not forceful.
Emphasizes the searching aspect; 'to find and bring out'. Used when you have to look hard for something.
To discover or reveal something hidden, like a secret, truth, or old record.
Metaphorically 'dig up', used for uncovering past events, scandals, or forgotten information.
The journalist dug out a scandal from the politician's past.
Means 'to expose' or 'to disclose', often used for revealing secrets or wrongdoing. Stronger nuance than 掘り起こす.
General 'find out' or 'track down'. Can be used for digging out information after a search.
掘り出す is for physically digging in soil or ground. 引っ張り出す is for pulling something out from a pile, drawer, or cluttered space. Use 掘り出す for excavation, 引っ張り出す for everyday retrieval.
I dug out shells from the sandbox.
I dug out the documents from the drawer.
English 'dig out' is often used figuratively (e.g., 'dig out information'). In Japanese, direct translation with 掘る may sound odd. Use context-appropriate verbs like 引っ張り出す or 暴く instead.
Can you dig out that old photo?
They dug out a fossil from the cliff.
バッグの底から鍵を取り出した。
I dug out my keys from the bottom of my bag.
I dug out an old photo album.
彼は会社の不正を暴いた。
He dug out the company's misconduct.
I dug out his contact information online.