Translation guide
A fence is a barrier enclosing an area, typically outdoors. In Japanese, the most common word is 柵 (saku), but other terms like フェンス, 垣根, and 塀 are used depending on material, height, and purpose.
A structure that encloses or divides an area, often made of wood, metal, or wire.
The most general word for a fence, often used for barriers around fields, gardens, or construction sites. Can be made of various materials.
I built a fence in the garden.
That fence is broken.
Loanword from English, commonly used for metal or wire fences, especially in residential or urban settings.
We put up a fence around the house.
Refers to an enclosure or fence, often used for pens or stockades. Can also mean a hedge or wall.
The horse escaped from the enclosure.
A fence made of wood or plants, often for gardens or traditional settings.
A high, solid barrier, often made of concrete, stone, or boards, for privacy or security.
The sport of fencing, or a barrier in sports.
The action of putting up a fence around something.
The criminal act of selling stolen goods.
Legal term for fencing stolen goods. Rare in everyday speech.
He fenced stolen goods.
柵 (saku) is the most general term for a fence, often implying a lighter structure. フェンス (fensu) is a loanword used for modern metal or wire fences. 塀 (hei) refers to a solid wall-like fence, often made of concrete or wood, providing privacy. Choose based on material and purpose.
park fence (general)
school fence (metal/wire)
house wall/fence (solid, privacy)
フェンス only means a physical fence. For metaphorical 'fence' (e.g., 'on the fence'), use different expressions like どっちつかず (dotchitsukazu).
The fence needs painting.
They sat on the fence.
I make a bamboo fence.
生け垣が伸びすぎた。
The hedge has grown too much.
I enclose the garden with a wooden fence.
侍は剣術を習った。
Samurai learned swordsmanship.