Translation guide
The act of removing hair from the body using a razor or other tool. In Japanese, the most common and general term is 剃る (soru), but the specific word used depends on what part of the body is being shaved and the context.
To remove hair using a razor or shaver, typically from the face, legs, or other body parts.
The most common verb for shaving hair off the body. It is a transitive verb, so it takes an object marked with を. Can be used for shaving one's face, legs, etc.
I shave my beard every morning.
She shaved her legs.
Hiragana form of 剃る, commonly used in casual writing. Same meaning and usage.
I forgot to shave today.
A loanword expression meaning 'to do shaving'. Often used in the context of skincare or beauty routines, or when referring to shaving as a grooming activity.
I put on toner after shaving every night.
To shave one's head completely, often for religious, fashion, or practical reasons.
A formal term meaning 'to shave the head', often associated with becoming a Buddhist monk. It can also be used in a secular context for shaving one's head completely.
He became a monk and shaved his head.
A more casual way to say 'shave one's head'. Literally 'shave the head'. Commonly used in everyday conversation.
I shaved my head because it's hot in summer.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'to shave one's head' or 'to get a buzz cut'. 坊主 means a Buddhist monk, so it implies a very short or shaved hairstyle.
I shaved my head to psych myself up.
To use an electric device to cut hair close to the skin, often for convenience.
Specifies using an electric shaver. 電気シェーバー is the common term for an electric shaver.
I don't have time in the morning, so I shave with an electric shaver.
Literally 'use a shaver'. A general way to refer to shaving with an electric device.
I've started using an electric shaver recently.
Referring to the act of shaving as part of personal care, often in the context of skincare or beauty.
The loanword 'shaving' used as a noun. Often appears in compound words like シェービングクリーム (shaving cream) or シェービングフォーム (shaving foam).
My skin becomes sensitive after shaving.
A broader term meaning 'hair removal' or 'hair treatment'. It can include shaving, waxing, or other methods. Often used in beauty contexts.
Hair removal is a hassle in summer.
To cut thin slices from a surface using a sharp tool, not related to hair.
Means 'to shave off', 'to plane', or 'to whittle'. Used for wood, pencils, or shaving thin slices from food like katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes).
Literally 'cut thinly'. A more general phrase for slicing something into thin pieces, which can be used for food preparation.
Please shave the cheese thinly.
The verb 剃る (soru) is specifically for shaving hair off the body. For shaving wood, pencils, or food, use 削る (kezuru) or other verbs like 薄く切る (usuku kiru). Using 剃る for objects would be incorrect and confusing.
剃る is the native Japanese verb and is more common in everyday speech. シェービングをする is a loanword expression that sounds slightly more modern or beauty-focused. Both are acceptable, but 剃る is more direct and widely used.