Translation guide
A fragment or leftover part that has been cut or broken off from a larger whole. In Japanese, the most natural translation depends on the material and context.
A small piece that has been cut or broken off from something, such as paper, cloth, or food.
The most common and versatile word for a cut-off piece or scrap of material like paper, cloth, or wood.
布の切れ端で人形を作った。
I made a doll from scraps of cloth.
紙の切れ端にメモを書いた。
I wrote a note on a scrap of paper.
Refers to small waste pieces produced by cutting, such as wood shavings, metal filings, or paper scraps. Often implies debris or byproduct.
机の上に鉛筆の切りくずが散らばっている。
Pencil shavings are scattered on the desk.
A fragment or shard, often used for broken pieces of hard materials like glass, pottery, or for abstract fragments like memories.
ガラスの断片が床に落ちていた。
Fragments of glass were lying on the floor.
A piece of food that has been cut off from a larger portion, such as a slice or chunk.
Specifically a cut piece of fish or meat, like a fillet or steak.
鮭の切り身を焼いた。
I grilled a salmon fillet.
Can also be used for leftover scraps of food, like the end piece of a loaf of bread.
A piece of fabric, thread, or rope that has been cut off.
Specifically a leftover piece of cloth, often used in sewing or crafts.
端切れでパッチワークを作る。
I make patchwork from fabric scraps.
Also works for cloth or string scraps, but 端切れ is more specific to fabric.
A piece of wood or metal that has been cut off, such as an offcut or scrap.
Offcuts or leftover pieces of wood, metal, or other construction materials.
端材を使って本棚を作った。
I built a bookshelf using offcuts.
Small waste pieces like sawdust or metal filings, rather than usable offcuts.
パンの切れ端でクルトンを作る。
I make croutons from bread scraps.
ひもの切れ端を結んだ。
I tied the cut-off piece of string.
Metal shavings are on the factory floor.