Translation guide
The English word 'shovel' refers to a tool for digging or moving loose material, and also to the action of using such a tool. This guide covers the main Japanese words for the tool and the verb, with attention to size, shape, and usage context.
to shovel (dig)
to shovel snow
The most common general word for a shovel, especially a smaller one or one used for gardening, snow, etc. Loanword from English.
I bought a snow shovel.
There's a shovel in the garden.
Often used for a larger, sturdier shovel, like a spade or a scoop. In some regions or contexts, it's interchangeable with シャベル, but generally implies a bigger tool.
They use shovels at the construction site.
A small entrenching tool or folding shovel, often military. Rarely used in everyday conversation.
The soldier dug a hole with an entrenching tool.
The act of using a shovel to move material.
The most straightforward way to say 'to shovel' (dig with a shovel). Use シャベル for the tool and 掘る for digging.
He is shoveling a hole in the garden.
Same as above but using スコップ, implying a larger shovel or more heavy-duty work.
Specifically for shoveling snow. This is the natural way to say 'to shovel snow'.
Another common way to say 'shovel snow', using the verb かく (to scrape/shovel).
Shovel the snow in the parking lot.
Both mean 'shovel', but シャベル is often smaller (like a garden trowel or snow shovel), while スコップ is larger and sturdier (like a spade). Regional differences exist; in some areas they are used interchangeably. When in doubt, シャベル is safer for general use.
This shovel is small, so please lend me a bigger one.
The word ショベル (shoberu) usually refers to a power shovel or excavator (heavy machinery), not a hand tool. Use シャベル or スコップ for a manual shovel.
They shovel dirt with shovels at the road work.
I got up early and shoveled snow.