Translation guide
The English word "scoop" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most useful ones for learners: a utensil for serving, an amount taken with that utensil, a news exclusive, and the action of lifting or gathering. It also notes when a direct translation is unnatural.
A tool for serving soft or loose food (ice cream, flour, etc.)
Common loanword for an ice cream scoop or similar serving utensil. Widely understood.
I bought an ice cream scoop.
A flat rice paddle, used for serving rice. Not a 'scoop' in the Western sense, but the closest traditional tool for scooping rice.
I serve rice with a rice paddle.
A shovel or spade, sometimes used for scooping sand or soil. Not for food.
Use a scoop in the sandbox.
A portion or amount taken with a scoop, often in recipes or serving sizes.
A news story published by one outlet before others; an exclusive.
To lift or gather something with a scooping motion, often with a tool or hands.
General verb for scooping up liquids, powders, or small objects. Can be used with hands or tools.
Scoop soup with a spoon.
He scooped up water with his hands.
To scoop up and lift, emphasizing the upward motion. Often used for rescuing or retrieving something from a liquid.
While スクープ is common for ice cream scoops and news exclusives, it is not used for the action of scooping. Use すくう for the verb.
Scoop with a spoon.
小麦粉をひとすくい加える。
Add one scoop of flour.
彼は特ダネを掴んだ。
He got a scoop.
Scoop up fish with a net.
To scrape together or scoop up a large amount hastily, often with a sense of gathering everything. Used for money, information, or loose material.
He scooped up the fallen leaves.