Translation guide
The English word 'slash' has several distinct meanings: a cutting action, the punctuation mark, a violent attack, a reduction in amount, and informal uses like urinating or as a conjunction. This guide covers the most common and useful meanings for learners.
Referring to the symbol '/' used in writing, computing, or between alternatives.
The standard loanword for the slash mark. Widely understood in computing and everyday contexts.
The URL contains a slash.
Literally 'diagonal line'. Used in formal or written contexts, such as forms or official documents.
Please separate the date with a slash.
Making a long, deep cut in something using a knife, sword, claw, etc.
To slash or tear open by cutting. Implies a violent or forceful cutting motion.
The culprit slashed the curtain.
To slash at someone with a sword or blade. Often used in contexts of attack or combat.
A loanword used as a verb, mainly in sports or gaming contexts (e.g., 'slash' in ice hockey). Not common in everyday speech.
He slashed the opponent with his stick.
Cutting prices, budgets, numbers, etc., by a large amount.
To slash or drastically reduce. '大幅に' means 'substantially', and '削減する' means 'to cut/reduce'.
The government slashed the budget.
To cut down or devalue, often used for prices, currency, or standards.
To cut drastically or decisively. 'ばっさり' is an onomatopoeic adverb implying a bold, sweeping cut.
We need to slash staff numbers.
Violently cutting or wounding a person.
Informal British/Australian slang for urinating.
There is no direct slang equivalent to 'slash' in Japanese. Use standard verbs like 'おしっこをする' (casual) or '排尿する' (formal/medical).
I'm going for a slash. (UK slang)
Used in informal writing to join alternatives or related items, like 'and/or'.
In Japanese, the slash is sometimes used in informal writing (e.g., 'A/B'), but it's more natural to use the interpunct 「・」 or rephrase with 「または」 (or) / 「および」 (and).
You can choose coffee/tea.
He works as an actor/slash singer.
While the slash mark is used in Japanese, overusing it in writing can look unnatural. In formal writing, always use proper conjunctions like 「または」 or 「および」.
Participants are limited to students/slash working adults.
The samurai slashed at the enemy.
その店は全商品の価格を切り下げた。
The store slashed the prices of all items.
武士が敵に斬りかかった。
The warrior slashed at the enemy.