Translation guide
The English word 'hack' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: cutting roughly, dealing with a difficult situation, gaining unauthorized computer access, and a clever solution or tip. It also notes the meaning of a mediocre writer, but this is less common.
To cut something in a rough, heavy, or careless way, often with a large tool.
Means to chop or cut into small pieces, often with a sense of hacking away. Used for both literal cutting and figurative 'hacking' (e.g., a budget).
He hacked the meat with a kitchen knife.
Literally 'strike and cut', implying a forceful hacking motion, like chopping wood or a heavy blow.
He hacked off the branch with an axe.
To slash or cut at someone, often in an attack. Implies a hacking motion with a blade.
The culprit hacked at the victim with a knife.
To deal with something challenging, often implying 'I can handle it' or 'I'll get through it'.
A very common phrase meaning 'to manage somehow' or 'to do something about it'. It conveys the idea of hacking a solution together.
I'll hack it so we meet the deadline.
Means to manage or make do with limited resources, like time or money. Similar to 'hacking' a budget or schedule.
We have to hack it with a small budget.
To weather or get through a difficult period. Can be used for 'hacking' a tough situation.
To break into a computer system or network, often with malicious intent.
A smart, often unconventional shortcut or trick to make something easier or more efficient.
Literally 'back technique', used for tricks, exploits, or secret methods, especially in games or daily life. Perfect for 'life hack'.
If you use this hack, cleaning becomes much easier.
The direct loanword 'life hack', widely understood among younger people and in media.
Means ingenuity, resourcefulness, or a clever device. It's a broader term for a smart idea or trick.
A writer who produces low-quality work for money, or a journalist who churns out dull articles.
While 'ハック' is understood in compound words like 'ライフハック', using it alone to mean a clever trick is unnatural. Use '裏技' or '工夫' instead.
Try this hack.
Both mean to hack or chop, but '切り刻む' focuses on cutting into small pieces (like mincing), while 'たたき切る' emphasizes a single forceful blow to sever something (like chopping off a branch).
この困難な時期を乗り切らなければ。
We have to hack this difficult period.
He was arrested on suspicion of hacking.
This life hack can save you time every morning.
With a little hack, work efficiency improves.