Translation guide
The English word "edge" covers many meanings: a physical border, a sharp side, a competitive advantage, a quality of tension, and more. This guide breaks them down into practical Japanese expressions.
The outer limit of a surface, area, or object.
General word for the edge or end of something, like a table, road, or cliff.
Please put it on the edge of the desk.
道の端を歩く。
Walk along the edge of the road.
Often used for the rim or edge of something like a cup, plate, or cliff. Can also be written 淵.
コップの縁が欠けた。
The edge of the cup is chipped.
Refers to the edge or border, often of a flat surface like a mat or a piece of paper. Less common than 端.
畳のへりを踏まないでください。
Please don't step on the edge of the tatami mat.
The cutting side of a knife, sword, or tool.
The blade or cutting edge of a knife, sword, or tool.
この包丁は刃が鋭い。
This kitchen knife has a sharp edge.
Specifically the tip or cutting edge of a blade.
刃先を研ぐ。
Sharpen the edge of the blade.
A slight advantage over others in business, sports, or skill.
A formal term for superiority or advantage. Often used in business contexts.
我が社の技術は競合他社に対する優位性だ。
Our technology gives us an edge over competitors.
A strength or forte; a natural advantage. More casual than 優位性.
A feeling of sharpness or tension in voice, atmosphere, or manner.
A prickly, edgy quality in someone's tone or attitude.
彼の声にはとげとげしさがあった。
There was an edge to his voice.
A sense of tension or nervousness, often in a situation.
部屋の中に緊張感が漂っていた。
There was an edge of tension in the room.
Close to a particular state or event, often negative.
Attach to nouns or verb stems to mean 'on the brink/verge of'. Very common.
彼は怒りで爆発寸前だった。
He was on the edge of exploding with anger.
会社は倒産寸前だ。
The company is on the edge of bankruptcy.
Colloquial; means 'just barely' or 'on the edge', often with time or limits.
締め切りギリギリで提出した。
I submitted it on the edge of the deadline.
The forefront of technology, fashion, or trends.
The cutting edge; the very forefront of technology or trends.
この研究所は最先端の技術を開発している。
This lab develops cutting-edge technology.
The leading edge; often used in compounds like 先端技術 (advanced technology).
English uses 'edge' in many idiomatic ways (e.g., 'take the edge off', 'on edge'). These rarely translate directly to Japanese. Instead, learn the equivalent Japanese expressions.
端 (はし) is the most general word for 'edge' of any object or area. 縁 (ふち) is often used for the rim of containers or the edge of a precipice. へり is specifically the border or hem of flat things like mats or clothes.
そのナイフは刃が鈍くなった。
The knife has lost its edge.
彼女は経験で優位に立っている。
She has an edge in experience.
彼のスピードがチームの強みだ。
His speed gives the team an edge.
Loanword from English, used in sports or games.
彼は身長でアドバンテージがある。
He has an edge in height.
先端医療が進歩している。
Cutting-edge medical care is advancing.