Translation guide
A small pointed tool used for piercing holes in leather, wood, or other materials. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 千枚通し (senmaidōshi), but other terms exist depending on the specific type and context.
千枚通し
awl (general)
A tool for making holes in materials like leather, paper, or wood, often used in crafting or bookbinding.
The most common and general term for an awl. Literally 'piercing a thousand sheets', it is used for leather, paper, and similar materials.
千枚通しで革に穴を開ける。
I make a hole in the leather with an awl.
Often used in sewing and crafts for making holes or marking fabric. Can refer to a stiletto or awl.
布に目打ちで印をつける。
I mark the fabric with an awl.
A traditional Japanese awl, often used in woodworking or bamboo crafts. Less common in everyday contexts.
職人が突き錐で竹に穴を開ける。
The craftsman makes a hole in the bamboo with a tsukigiri.
A specific awl used in shoemaking or heavy leatherwork, often with a curved blade.
A loanword from English, commonly used in leathercraft contexts. Refers specifically to a leather awl.
レザーアウルを使って革を縫う。
I sew leather using a leather awl.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'awl for leather'. Used when distinguishing from general-purpose awls.
革用千枚通しは先が曲がっている。
The leather awl has a curved tip.
An awl used in woodworking for marking or starting holes.
A descriptive term for a woodworking awl. Often used to distinguish from leather awls.
木工用千枚通しで下穴を開ける。
I make a pilot hole with a woodworking awl.
A loanword for 'bradawl', a specific type of woodworking awl with a flat tip. Used in technical contexts.
ブラッドアウルは木工で使われる。
A bradawl is used in woodworking.
In Japanese, the specific term for 'awl' depends on the material and craft. 千枚通し is the safest general term, but in leathercraft, レザーアウル is common, and in woodworking, 木工用千枚通し may be used.