Translation guide
How to express the idea of drilling into something, both literally (making a hole with a tool) and figuratively (examining deeply, forcing information into someone, or emphasizing a point).
To physically bore a hole into a material using a drill or similar tool.
General phrase meaning 'to make a hole'. Often used with a drill, but not limited to it. Natural and common.
壁にドリルで穴を開けた。
I drilled a hole in the wall.
Explicitly states using a drill. Good when the tool is important.
金属板にドリルで穴を開ける必要がある。
We need to drill a hole into the metal plate.
Technical term for 'perforate' or 'drill a hole'. Used in engineering or formal contexts.
この機械は鋼鉄に穿孔することができる。
This machine can drill into steel.
To investigate or scrutinize something in detail, often data or a topic.
Literally 'dig down deep'. Common metaphor for delving into a subject. Natural in business and casual contexts.
その問題をもっと深く掘り下げてみよう。
Let's drill into that issue a bit more.
Means 'to investigate in detail'. More straightforward and less metaphorical.
データを詳細に調べる必要がある。
We need to drill into the data.
Implies a thorough, sometimes aggressive investigation. 'Tsukkomu' means to thrust into.
彼はその件を突っ込んで調べた。
He drilled into the matter.
To repeatedly teach or instill something until it is memorized or understood, often through repetition.
Literally 'to hammer into'. Strongly conveys drilling knowledge or skills into someone through repetition. Can be harsh.
先生は生徒に文法を叩き込んだ。
The teacher drilled grammar into the students.
Means 'to teach repeatedly until learned'. Less forceful than 叩き込む.
安全規則を従業員に繰り返し教え込む。
We drill safety rules into the employees.
To teach thoroughly. Focuses on completeness rather than repetition.
基本を徹底的に教えることが大切だ。
It's important to drill the basics into them.
To stress or make someone understand a point strongly, often in an argument or discussion.
Standard word for 'emphasize'. Works in most contexts.
彼はその重要性を強調した。
He drilled into them the importance of it.
To tell someone earnestly, to impress upon. Often used when trying to make someone understand or accept something.
母は私に危険性を言い聞かせた。
My mother drilled the dangers into me.
To make sure of something, to double-check, to remind firmly. Implies drilling a point to avoid misunderstanding.
The English 'drill into' is often metaphorical. Direct translations like ドリルで入る are nonsensical. Use the appropriate Japanese metaphor or phrase for the intended meaning.
データにドリルで入る
drill into the data (literal, unnatural)
彼に時間厳守を念を押した。
I drilled into him the importance of being on time.