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.
机の端に置いてください。
Please put it on the edge of the desk.
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.
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.
Please don't step on the edge of the tatami mat.
The cutting side of a knife, sword, or tool.
A slight advantage over others in business, sports, or skill.
A feeling of sharpness or tension in voice, atmosphere, or manner.
A prickly, edgy quality in someone's tone or attitude.
There was an edge to his voice.
A sense of tension or nervousness, often in a situation.
Close to a particular state or event, often negative.
Attach to nouns or verb stems to mean 'on the brink/verge of'. Very common.
He was on the edge of exploding with anger.
The company is on the edge of bankruptcy.
Colloquial; means 'just barely' or 'on the edge', often with time or limits.
I submitted it on the edge of the deadline.
The forefront of technology, fashion, or trends.
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.
The knife has lost its edge.
She has an edge in experience.
Sharpen the edge of the blade.
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.
He has an edge in height.
There was an edge of tension in the room.
先端医療が進歩している。
Cutting-edge medical care is advancing.