Translation guide
The English word 'graver' can refer to a person who engraves, a tool used for engraving, or a comparative form of 'grave' (more serious). This guide focuses on the most common meanings for learners: the engraving tool and the person.
A sharp tool used for cutting designs into hard surfaces like metal or wood.
General term for a carving knife or chisel used in engraving or sculpture. Suitable for most contexts.
He carved a pattern into the wood with a graver.
Loanword from French 'burin', specifically a steel engraving tool used in printmaking and metal engraving. Common in artistic and technical contexts.
I use a graver to create copperplate engravings.
Literally 'carving knife', can refer to a graver but is less specific. Often used in traditional crafts.
A person whose job or skill is to engrave designs onto surfaces.
The English word 'graver' can also be the comparative form of 'grave' (e.g., 'a graver situation'). In Japanese, this is expressed as より深刻な (yori shinkoku na) or もっと重大な (motto jūdai na). Do not use the tool or person words for this meaning.
The craftsman made fine lines with a graver.
A professional engraver or sculptor. Neutral and widely understood.
His grandfather was a famous graver.
Often used for a carver or engraver, especially in traditional arts like netsuke or tattooing. Slightly more specialized.
The graver applied intricate carvings to the ivory.
Specifically a printmaker or engraver who creates printing plates. Used in art contexts.
The graver cuts lines into the copper plate with a burin.