Translation guide
The English word 'trim' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: cutting a small amount, decorating edges, reducing excess, and a few specialized meanings.
Trim the bushes.
Trim the budget.
To cut a little bit to make something neat, not a major cut.
General verb for 'cut'. When used for trimming, it often implies cutting off a small amount, especially with context like 'a little' (少し).
Please trim my hair a little.
I trimmed the garden trees.
Specifically for cutting grass, hedges, or hair (like mowing or shearing). Often used for trimming plants or giving a haircut.
Means 'to arrange' or 'to put in order'. Used for trimming hair or plants to make them look neat.
Loanword from English 'trimming', often used for pet grooming or photo cropping.
Trim the dog's fur.
To add decorative material along the edge of something.
To edge, border, or trim with something decorative.
To remove excess or unnecessary parts to make something leaner.
To cut down, reduce (costs, budget, etc.). Formal and common in business.
To cut off uneven or unwanted parts to make something tidy.
To adjust the balance or position of a vessel or aircraft.
Technical term using the loanword 'trim' plus 'adjust'. Used in aviation and sailing.
The loanword トリム is not as versatile as English 'trim'. It's mainly used in specific contexts like photo cropping, pet grooming, or technical fields. For cutting hair or plants, use native Japanese verbs.
trim hair (unnatural)
切る is general 'cut'. 刈る is specifically for cutting grass, hair, or hedges with a sweeping motion (like mowing or shearing). Use 刈る for trimming lawns or hedges, and 切る for trimming a small amount off something like hair or nails.
Trim the lawn.
Trim the hedge.
Trim one's hair (to neaten it).
Trim the dress with lace.
General phrase meaning 'to attach decoration'. Can be used for trimming edges.
Trim the curtains with fringe.
Loanword used in fashion or interior design for decorative trim.
This jacket has trim on it.
We need to trim expenses.
General verb for 'reduce'. Can be used for trimming fat, weight, etc.
Trim fat.
To cut down, curtail, economize. Often used for budgets or living expenses.
Trim living expenses.
To shave off, pare down. Used for trimming excess fat or unnecessary elements.
Trim off excess fat.
To cut and align, trim evenly. Used for hair, paper, etc.
Trim the edges of the paper.
Specifically for cropping or trimming photos/images.
Trim the photo.
Trim the airplane.