Translation guide
The act of breaking up and moving earth, or searching for something by moving material. Japanese uses different verbs depending on the tool, purpose, and what is being dug.
To break up and remove earth to create a hole, trench, or foundation.
General verb for digging a hole, trench, or pit. Can be used with a shovel, spade, or hands.
I dug a hole in the garden.
犬が地面を掘っている。
The dog is digging the ground.
To dig up or turn over soil, often to plant something or to search for something buried.
畑を掘り返してジャガイモを植えた。
I dug up the field and planted potatoes.
To use a shovel-like tool to move earth, sand, or snow.
Specifically using a shovel. The tool is often mentioned explicitly.
雪をシャベルで掘って道を作った。
I dug through the snow with a shovel to make a path.
Using a scoop or small shovel. 'スコップ' often implies a smaller hand tool.
子供が砂場をスコップで掘っている。
The child is digging in the sandbox with a scoop.
To remove plants, vegetables, or roots from the ground.
To dig out or unearth something, often used for harvesting root vegetables or finding buried objects.
畑でサツマイモを掘り出した。
I dug up sweet potatoes in the field.
Also used for harvesting root vegetables, though '掘り出す' emphasizes the action of taking them out.
ジャガイモを掘る時期です。
It's time to dig potatoes.
To investigate or search for information persistently, like 'digging into' a topic.
To delve into, dig deeper into a subject or issue. Metaphorical use.
その問題をもっと掘り下げて調べる必要がある。
We need to dig deeper into that issue.
To probe, investigate, or search for information, often discreetly. Not literally digging.
To excavate at an archaeological site or to mine for resources.
To excavate, especially for archaeological purposes or unearthing remains.
遺跡を発掘している。
They are excavating the ruins.
To mine or extract minerals, coal, etc.
石炭を採掘する。
To mine coal.
掘る (horu) is the general verb for digging a hole. 発掘する (hakkutsu suru) is used for archaeological excavation or unearthing something valuable. 採掘する (saikutsu suru) is specifically for mining resources.
In English slang, 'digging' can mean liking or understanding something. This does not translate to 掘る. Use 好き (suki) or 理解する (rikai suru) instead.
彼は裏庭に穴を掘っている。
He's digging a hole in the backyard.
考古学者たちが遺跡を発掘している。
The archaeologists are digging at the site.
The reporter is digging into the scandal.