Translation guide
How to express 'dig out' in Japanese, covering physical excavation, retrieving hidden items, and uncovering information.
To remove something by digging, such as soil, treasure, or a stuck object.
The most direct and common verb for digging something out, emphasizing the action of unearthing.
庭から古い壺を掘り出した。
I dug out an old pot from the garden.
General verb for 'to dig'. Can be used with context to imply digging out, but less specific than 掘り出す.
穴を掘って埋めた宝物を掘り出した。
I dug a hole and dug out the buried treasure.
Formal term for excavating, often used in archaeology or construction. Implies a systematic digging out.
遺跡から古代の遺物を発掘した。
They excavated ancient artifacts from the ruins.
To find and pull out an object that is buried under other things, like in a drawer or pile.
Literally 'pull out', used for dragging something out from a cluttered or hidden spot. Very natural for everyday situations.
押し入れから冬物のコートを引っ張り出した。
I dug out my winter coat from the closet.
Means 'take out'. More neutral than 引っ張り出す, but can be used for digging out when the action is not forceful.
Emphasizes the searching aspect; 'to find and bring out'. Used when you have to look hard for something.
To discover or reveal something hidden, like a secret, truth, or old record.
Metaphorically 'dig up', used for uncovering past events, scandals, or forgotten information.
記者は政治家の過去のスキャンダルを掘り起こした。
The journalist dug out a scandal from the politician's past.
Means 'to expose' or 'to disclose', often used for revealing secrets or wrongdoing. Stronger nuance than 掘り起こす.
General 'find out' or 'track down'. Can be used for digging out information after a search.
掘り出す is for physically digging in soil or ground. 引っ張り出す is for pulling something out from a pile, drawer, or cluttered space. Use 掘り出す for excavation, 引っ張り出す for everyday retrieval.
砂場から貝殻を掘り出した。
I dug out shells from the sandbox.
引き出しから書類を引っ張り出した。
I dug out the documents from the drawer.
English 'dig out' is often used figuratively (e.g., 'dig out information'). In Japanese, direct translation with 掘る may sound odd. Use context-appropriate verbs like 引っ張り出す or 暴く instead.
あの古い写真を引っ張り出してくれる？
Can you dig out that old photo?
崖から化石を掘り出した。
They dug out a fossil from the cliff.
I dug out my keys from the bottom of my bag.
古いアルバムを探し出してきた。
I dug out an old photo album.
He dug out the company's misconduct.
インターネットで彼の連絡先を見つけ出した。
I dug out his contact information online.