Translation guide
The English word 'engraving' can refer to the act of carving a design into a hard surface, the resulting carved design itself, or a print made from an engraved plate. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Describing the action of cutting or incising a design into metal, wood, stone, etc.
General term for carving or engraving, used for both the act and the resulting artwork. Can refer to engraving on metal, wood carving, or sculpture.
He did an engraving on a metal plate.
Verb meaning 'to carve' or 'to engrave'. Used for cutting into wood, stone, metal, etc. Often used with objects like seals or printing blocks.
Carve a pattern into wood.
Verb meaning 'to engrave', 'to carve', or 'to cut finely'. Often implies cutting small details or letters, and can also mean 'to chop' or 'to mince' in cooking contexts.
Engrave letters on a stone monument.
Compound verb meaning 'to carve into' or 'to engrave deeply'. Emphasizes the action of cutting into a surface.
Engrave the design into the metal.
Referring to the pattern, image, or text that has been engraved on an object.
Can refer to the engraved design or carving as a finished work. Context distinguishes it from the act of engraving.
This ring has a beautiful engraving.
Literally 'carved thing', often used for decorative carvings or tattoos. Can refer to engraved designs on objects.
Specifically refers to an engraved mark, seal, or stamp, often used for official markings, hallmarks, or serial numbers.
Referring to the artwork produced by printing from an engraved metal plate, woodblock, etc.
General term for printmaking, including woodblock prints, etchings, and engravings. Often specified further, e.g., 銅版画 (copperplate engraving).
This print is a copperplate engraving.
Specifically a copperplate engraving or etching. The most common type of metal engraving used for art prints.
彫刻 (chōkoku) refers to the act of carving or the carved object itself, and can be three-dimensional (sculpture). 版画 (hanga) specifically refers to prints made from a carved block or plate. For an art print, use 版画 or 銅版画.
Chōkoku includes three-dimensional works, but hanga refers to printed two-dimensional works.
If you are talking about a framed art print that is an engraving, do not use 彫刻. Use 版画 or 銅版画 instead. 彫刻 would imply the physical carved plate or a sculpture.
There is a fine engraving on the sword guard.
銀器に刻印がある。
There is an engraving (hallmark) on the silverware.
彼は銅版画の技法を学んでいる。
He is learning the technique of copperplate engraving.
Loanword from English, used in art contexts to refer specifically to engraving as a printmaking technique. Less common than 版画.
This engraving is from the 18th century.