Translation guide
The English verb "engrave" refers to cutting or carving a design or text into a hard surface, or metaphorically fixing something deeply in memory. This guide covers both physical engraving and the figurative sense.
To cut or carve letters, patterns, or designs into a hard material like metal, stone, or wood.
The most common and general verb for carving or engraving. Can be used for wood, stone, metal, etc. Often written in hiragana in casual contexts.
指輪に名前を彫ってもらった。
I had my name engraved on the ring.
To fix something firmly and indelibly in one's mind, memory, or emotions.
A common figurative expression meaning 'to engrave on one's heart'. Used for deeply emotional or unforgettable experiences.
その光景は私の心に深く刻まれている。
That scene is deeply engraved in my heart.
Both can mean 'engrave', but 彫る (horu) is more general for carving or sculpting, while 刻む (kizamu) emphasizes fine, detailed cutting or engraving of letters/patterns. 刻む is also used in figurative expressions like 心に刻む (engrave in one's heart).
Avoid directly translating 'engrave' as 彫る in figurative contexts. Use set phrases like 心に刻む or 記憶に刻む. Saying 心を彫る would sound unnatural.
彼は木の板に模様を彫った。
He carved a pattern into the wooden board.
Literally means 'to cut finely' or 'to carve'. Often implies engraving with precision, such as letters or detailed designs. Can also mean 'to chop' or 'to mince' in cooking contexts.
石碑に故人の名前が刻まれている。
The name of the deceased is engraved on the stone monument.
彼は金属板に細かい文字を刻んだ。
He engraved small letters onto the metal plate.
A more formal or technical term for engraving or sculpting. Often used for artistic carving or sculpture. Can refer to both engraving and three-dimensional carving.
この彫刻家は大理石に天使の像を彫刻した。
This sculptor carved an angel statue into the marble.
先生の言葉を心に刻んで生きていきます。
I will live with my teacher's words engraved in my heart.
Means 'to engrave in memory'. Used for memorable events or information you want to remember forever.
その日の出来事は記憶に刻まれている。
The events of that day are engraved in my memory.
Literally 'to be burned into the back of one's mind'. A vivid expression for something unforgettable, often with a negative or shocking nuance.
事故の映像が脳裏に焼き付いて離れない。
The image of the accident is burned into my mind and won't leave.