Translation guide
The English word "hole" covers a wide range of meanings, from physical openings and gaps to abstract deficiencies and difficult situations. Japanese uses different words depending on the type of hole, its cause, and context. This guide organizes the most common and useful expressions for English-speaking learners.
A hole in the ground, wall, fabric, etc. — a visible empty space or break in a solid object.
The most general word for a hole. Covers holes in the ground, walls, clothes, etc. Safe default for most physical holes.
There is a hole in the ground.
Often used in technical or formal contexts for a hole, pore, or perforation. Same reading as 穴 but different kanji nuance.
A colloquial term for a hole or hollow, often implying a depression or pit. More casual than 穴.
A hole that passes completely through an object, like a donut hole or a hole in a needle.
Still the default word. Context makes it clear if it's a through-hole.
A depression or cavity in the earth, natural or man-made.
General word for a hole in the ground.
A tiny hole that causes a leak or tear, like in a balloon or tire.
Works for small holes too.
A figurative hole meaning a missing part, gap, or flaw.
Used metaphorically for gaps in schedules, knowledge, or logic.
Being in a hole meaning a bad situation, debt, or trouble.
The hole on a golf course.
The standard term for a golf hole.
A hole where an animal lives.
Specifically an animal's burrow or nest hole.
While 穴 can be used metaphorically, for gaps in knowledge or logic, 欠陥 (defect) or 不備 (inadequacy) might be more precise in formal contexts.
穴 is the everyday word for hole. 孔 is used in technical or formal writing for perforations, pores, or holes in scientific contexts. They share the same reading あな.
My sock got a hole in it.
This material has microscopic holes.
There's a big hole in the road.
I made a hole in the wall and passed the cable through.
Technical term for a through-hole, used in engineering or manufacturing.
This part requires a through-hole.
The dog dug a hole in the yard.
A pitfall or trap hole. Also used metaphorically for a hidden danger or trap.
I fell into a pitfall.
A vertical hole or shaft, such as a well or mine shaft.
Dig a vertical shaft.
The balloon has a hole and air is leaking.
Specifically a puncture in a tire or inflatable object. Often used as a noun or verb (パンクする).
My bicycle got a flat tire.
A pinhole, often used in photography or material defects.
There is a pinhole in the film.
There are holes in his explanation.
A gap opened up in my schedule.
Literally a crevice or gap, but can be used for a gap in time or space.
Find gaps of free time even when busy.
A defect or flaw, more formal and often used for products or systems.
This software has a serious flaw.
Literally 'the very bottom', used for being in a deep hole financially or emotionally.
He is in a deep hole of debt.
A difficult situation or predicament, more formal.
The company is in a serious hole.
A pinch or crisis, casual and common.
Get out of a hole.
18ホールを回る。
Play 18 holes.
Refers specifically to the physical cup inside the hole.
The ball went into the hole.
ウサギが巣穴から出てきた。
A rabbit came out of its hole.
Can be used generally for an animal hole, but 巣穴 is more precise.
a fox's hole
micropore (technical)