Translation guide
The English word 'axe' refers to a tool for chopping wood or a weapon. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 斧 (おの), but there are also specific terms for different types of axes and hatchets.
The most common, everyday word for an axe used for chopping wood or as a weapon.
The standard Japanese word for 'axe'. Covers both tools and weapons.
He cut the tree with an axe.
斧を研ぐ。
Sharpen an axe.
A smaller, one-handed axe often used for camping or light chopping.
A hatchet or small axe, literally 'hand axe'. Note: can also be read ておの, but ちょうな is more common for the tool.
キャンプに手斧を持っていく。
I bring a hatchet to camp.
A heavy, thick-bladed hatchet or machete-like tool used for chopping wood and clearing brush. Often translated as 'hatchet' or 'billhook'.
鉈で薪を割る。
Split firewood with a hatchet.
A large, heavy axe used as a weapon in historical or fantasy contexts.
Literally 'battle axe'. Used for historical or fantasy weapons.
バイキングは戦斧を使った。
Vikings used battle axes.
Literally 'large axe'. Can refer to a big axe for chopping or a weapon.
彼は大斧を振り回した。
He swung a large axe.
To cut or remove something drastically, like jobs or budgets.
Means 'to cut/reduce' (budget, staff, etc.). The most natural equivalent for 'axe' in business contexts.
会社は人員を削減した。
The company axed staff.
Means 'to terminate/abolish' (a project, program). Often used when 'axing' a TV show or plan.
その番組は打ち切られた。
The show was axed.
The Japanese noun 斧 (おの) cannot be used as a verb. To express 'to axe' in the sense of cutting jobs or budgets, use verbs like 削減する or 打ち切る.