Translation guide
To make a space inside something by removing material, or to create a cavity. This guide covers physical hollowing, metaphorical emptiness, and related expressions.
To remove the inside of a solid object, creating a cavity or empty space.
The most common verb for physically hollowing out something like a fruit, vegetable, or piece of wood. Often implies carving or scooping out the inside.
I hollowed out a pumpkin and made a lantern.
To gouge or scoop out, often with force or a sharp tool. Can imply a deeper, more aggressive hollowing action.
I scooped out the melon seeds with a spoon.
Literally 'to make into a cavity'. More formal or descriptive, used when emphasizing the resulting empty space.
The craftsman hollowed out a log to make a drum.
A less common kanji for 'to hollow out' or 'to carve out', often used in traditional crafts or woodworking.
Hollow out wood to make a vessel.
To create a passage or opening by removing material, often completely through an object.
General phrase for 'to make a hole'. Can be used for hollowing out in the sense of creating an opening.
I made a hole in the wall and passed the wiring through.
To penetrate or pierce through, creating a hollow passage. More technical.
I drilled through the iron plate.
To feel emotionally empty, drained, or as if something has been taken away.
To gradually hollow out something from within, often by natural forces like water or decay.
When describing emotional emptiness, avoid directly translating 'hollow out' as a verb. Use phrases like 心が空っぽになる or 虚ろになる instead.
くり抜く is the standard word for hollowing out, like carving a pumpkin. えぐる implies a more forceful gouging or scooping, often with a sharp tool, and can also mean to deeply wound emotionally.
The ground became hollow due to groundwater.