Translation guide
A saw powered by electricity, commonly used in construction, woodworking, and DIY. Japanese has specific terms for different types of electric saws, and the general term 電動のこぎり is less common than naming the specific tool.
The learner wants to refer to any saw that runs on electricity, without specifying the type.
General term for an electric saw. Literally 'electric saw'. It is understood but less commonly used than specific tool names in everyday conversation.
電動のこぎりで板を切った。
I cut the board with an electric saw.
Another general term, literally 'electric saw'. Slightly less technical than 電動のこぎり.
電気のこぎりを買いたい。
I want to buy an electric saw.
The learner is referring to a handheld circular saw or a table saw, the most common electric saw for cutting wood.
Circular saw. This is the most common type of electric saw used in woodworking and construction. Often used as a generic term for a power saw.
丸のこを使って木材を切ります。
I cut lumber using a circular saw.
Electric circular saw. Specifies that it is powered by electricity, as opposed to a manual circular saw.
電動丸のこは便利だ。
Electric circular saws are convenient.
The learner needs to refer to a reciprocating saw, often used in demolition or for cutting pipes and branches.
Reciprocating saw. A common loanword from English. Used in construction and DIY.
レシプロソーで鉄パイプを切断した。
I cut the iron pipe with a reciprocating saw.
Saber saw, another term for a reciprocating saw. Often used interchangeably with レシプロソー.
セーバーソーは解体作業に使われる。
Saber saws are used for demolition work.
The learner wants to refer to a jigsaw, an electric saw with a narrow blade for cutting curves.
Jigsaw. Loanword from English. Commonly used in woodworking and crafts.
ジグソーで曲線を切る。
I cut curves with a jigsaw.
Electric jigsaw, literally 'electric thread saw'. Less common than ジグソー but used in some contexts.
電動糸のこは細かい作業に向いている。
An electric jigsaw is suitable for detailed work.
The learner is referring to a chainsaw, typically used for felling trees or cutting firewood.
Chainsaw. Loanword from English. The standard term.
チェーンソーで木を切った。
I cut the tree with a chainsaw.
Chainsaw, literally 'chain saw'. A less common native Japanese term, mostly used in formal or technical writing.
鎖のこは林業で使われる。
Chainsaws are used in forestry.
In Japanese, it is more natural to name the specific type of electric saw (e.g., 丸のこ, ジグソー) rather than using the general term 電動のこぎり. If you are unsure of the type, you can describe its appearance or use.
Directly translating 'electric saw' as 電気のこぎり may sound childish or imprecise. Use the specific tool name whenever possible.