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.
地面に穴が開いている。
There is a hole in the ground.
靴下に穴が開いた。
My sock got a hole in it.
Often used in technical or formal contexts for a hole, pore, or perforation. Same reading as 穴 but different kanji nuance.
この材料には微細な孔がある。
This material has microscopic holes.
A colloquial term for a hole or hollow, often implying a depression or pit. More casual than 穴.
道に大きな穴ぼこがある。
There's a big hole in the road.
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.
壁に穴を開けてケーブルを通した。
I made a hole in the wall and passed the cable through.
Technical term for a through-hole, used in engineering or manufacturing.
この部品には貫通穴が必要です。
This part requires a through-hole.
A depression or cavity in the earth, natural or man-made.
General word for a hole in the ground.
犬が庭に穴を掘った。
The dog dug a hole in the yard.
A pitfall or trap hole. Also used metaphorically for a hidden danger or trap.
A vertical hole or shaft, such as a well or mine shaft.
A tiny hole that causes a leak or tear, like in a balloon or tire.
Works for small holes too.
風船に穴が開いて空気が漏れている。
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).
A pinhole, often used in photography or material defects.
A figurative hole meaning a missing part, gap, or flaw.
Used metaphorically for gaps in schedules, knowledge, or logic.
彼の説明には穴がある。
There are holes in his explanation.
スケジュールに穴が空いた。
A gap opened up in my schedule.
Literally a crevice or gap, but can be used for a gap in time or space.
A defect or flaw, more formal and often used for products or systems.
Being in a hole meaning a bad situation, debt, or trouble.
Literally 'the very bottom', used for being in a deep hole financially or emotionally.
彼は借金でどん底にいる。
He is in a deep hole of debt.
A difficult situation or predicament, more formal.
A pinch or crisis, casual and common.
ピンチを切り抜ける。
Get out of a hole.
The hole on a golf course.
The standard term for a golf hole.
18ホールを回る。
Play 18 holes.
Refers specifically to the physical cup inside the hole.
ボールがカップに入った。
The ball went into the hole.
A hole where an animal lives.
Specifically an animal's burrow or nest 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.
キツネの穴
a fox's 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.
落とし穴に落ちた。
I fell into a pitfall.
縦穴を掘る。
Dig a vertical shaft.
My bicycle got a flat tire.
フィルムにピンホールがある。
There is a pinhole in the film.
Find gaps of free time even when busy.
このソフトウェアには重大な欠陥がある。
This software has a serious flaw.
The company is in a serious hole.