Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'shavings' depends on the material and context. The most common general term is 削り屑 (kezurikuzu), but specific words are used for wood, metal, food, and other materials.
To refer to thin pieces removed from a surface by cutting or scraping, especially in workshop or crafting contexts.
The most common and general term for shavings from wood, metal, or other materials. Literally 'shaved scraps'.
Shavings are scattered on the floor.
Specifically wood shavings produced by a plane (かんな). Common in woodworking contexts.
I gathered up the wood shavings and threw them away.
Shavings or chips from cutting, often used for metal or wood. Can also refer to offcuts.
Metal shavings flew everywhere.
To refer to thin shavings of food items, especially in cooking.
Specifically shavings of dried bonito (katsuobushi), used as a topping or for making dashi broth. Often called 'bonito flakes' in English.
I put bonito shavings on chilled tofu.
Chocolate shavings, often used as a dessert garnish. The general term 削り屑 is combined with the specific food name.
I topped the cake with chocolate shavings.
To refer to the thin curled pieces produced when sharpening a pencil.
The standard way to say 'pencil shavings'. Literally 'pencil shavings'.
Pencil shavings are on the desk.
To refer to finely shaved ice used in the dessert kakigōri.
Refers to the dessert itself, but the ice is shaved. The word literally means 'shaved ice'. Use this when talking about the dessert.
I want to eat shaved ice in the summer.
The verb phrase 'to shave ice'. Use this when describing the action rather than the product.
I shave ice with a shaved ice machine.
削り屑 (kezurikuzu) is a safe, general word for shavings of most materials. If you're unsure which specific word to use, this is a good default. However, for food items like bonito flakes, 削り節 is more natural.