Translation guide
The English word "slate" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: the rock/material, a writing surface, a roofing tile, and the color. It also includes the phrase "a clean slate."
The metamorphic rock used for roofing, flooring, or writing surfaces.
The geological term for slate rock. Used in technical or formal contexts.
This region is rich in slate.
The loanword from English, commonly used for the material in construction or crafts.
The roof is covered with slate.
A flat piece of slate used for writing with chalk, or a modern tablet-like device.
Literally 'stone board,' this refers to a traditional slate writing tablet. Also used for engraved stone tablets.
Students in the past wrote on slates with chalk.
The loanword can also refer to a modern tablet-like device (e.g., 'slate PC').
A thin piece of slate used as a roofing material.
A dark bluish-gray color, like the rock.
A fresh start, free from past mistakes or obligations.
Literally 'return to blank paper,' meaning to wipe the slate clean and start over.
Let's wipe the slate clean and start over.
Means to cancel a debt or write off, used figuratively for clearing past issues.
Loanword 'reset,' often used casually to mean starting fresh.
I want a clean slate in my relationships.
The English idiom 'a clean slate' does not translate directly using the word for slate rock. Use phrases like 白紙に戻す or 帳消しにする instead.
I'll start with a clean slate at my new job.
新しいスレート端末が発表された。
A new slate device was announced.
スレートが一枚割れている。
One slate tile is cracked.
We wiped the slate clean of his mistakes and started a new project.