Translation guide
A stone used for sharpening blades. In Japanese, the most common word is 砥石 (といし). There are also specific terms for natural vs. synthetic stones, and for coarse vs. fine sharpening.
A stone used to sharpen knives, tools, or blades.
The standard, everyday word for a whetstone. Covers both natural and synthetic stones.
包丁を砥石で研ぐ。
Sharpen a kitchen knife on a whetstone.
この砥石は目の粗さが違います。
This whetstone has a different grit.
Literally 'sharpening stone'. Slightly less common than 砥石 but still widely understood.
祖父の研ぎ石はもうすり減っている。
My grandfather's whetstone is already worn down.
A whetstone made from natural rock, often prized for fine sharpening.
Specifies a natural whetstone, as opposed to synthetic. Used by enthusiasts and professionals.
天然砥石は高価ですが、切れ味が違います。
Natural whetstones are expensive, but the sharpness is different.
A natural finishing whetstone, used for the final polishing stage. Very specialized term.
天然仕上げ砥石で刃の表面を磨く。
Polish the blade surface with a natural finishing whetstone.
Distinguishing between rough sharpening and fine honing stones.
Coarse whetstone for initial sharpening or repairing nicks. Often used first in a progression.
まず荒砥で刃の形を整えます。
First, shape the blade with a coarse whetstone.
Medium-grit whetstone, used between coarse and fine stones.
中砥で研いだ後、仕上げ砥を使います。
After sharpening with a medium whetstone, use a finishing stone.
Fine finishing whetstone for polishing and refining the edge.
仕上げ砥で刃を鏡のように仕上げる。
Finish the blade to a mirror polish with a fine whetstone.
Man-made sharpening stone, often aluminum oxide or silicon carbide.
Synthetic whetstone. Common and affordable.
人造砥石は水に浸けて使います。
Synthetic whetstones are used after soaking in water.
Ceramic whetstone, a type of synthetic stone known for hardness and long life.
セラミック砥石は目詰まりしにくい。
Ceramic whetstones resist clogging.
Many Japanese whetstones require soaking in water before use (水に浸ける). Some modern stones are 'splash-and-go' and only need surface water. Always check the manufacturer's instructions.
砥石 (whetstone) is for sharpening by hand. A rotary grindstone (グラインダー砥石) is a different tool. Using 砥石 for a power tool stone can cause confusion.