Translation guide
The act or process of digging, especially in archaeology, construction, or mining. Japanese distinguishes between archaeological digs, construction digging, and mining excavation.
Referring to a systematic dig to uncover historical artifacts or remains.
The standard term for archaeological excavation. Can also be used metaphorically for discovering hidden talent.
遺跡の発掘が始まった。
The excavation of the ruins has begun.
発掘調査は来月まで続く。
The excavation survey will continue until next month.
Specifically refers to the physical work of excavation at a site.
発掘作業は慎重に行われた。
The excavation work was carried out carefully.
Referring to digging a hole or trench for building foundations, pipelines, etc.
The technical term for excavation in construction, civil engineering, and mining. Implies mechanical digging.
基礎のための掘削工事が行われている。
Excavation work for the foundation is being carried out.
トンネル掘削には大型機械が使われる。
Large machinery is used for tunnel excavation.
The general verb 'to dig'. Can be used for construction but is less formal than 掘削.
道路の下を掘ってパイプを埋めた。
They dug under the road and buried the pipe.
Referring to digging for minerals, ores, or resources.
Specifically means mining or extracting resources from the ground.
金の採掘はこの地域の主要産業だ。
Gold mining is the main industry in this region.
Also used in mining contexts for the digging process itself.
Referring to the hole, pit, or site resulting from excavation.
Technical term for an excavated hole or pit.
掘削穴の深さは10メートルに達した。
The depth of the excavated hole reached 10 meters.
Refers to an archaeological excavation site.
発掘現場から多くの土器が見つかった。
Many earthenware pieces were found at the excavation site.
発掘 (はっくつ) is for archaeology and discovering hidden things. 掘削 (くっさく) is for construction and engineering digging. 採掘 (さいくつ) is for mining resources. Using the wrong term can sound unnatural.
遺跡を掘削する
to excavate ruins (sounds like construction work, use 発掘)
発掘 implies discovering something valuable or historical. For digging a hole for a building, use 掘削 or simply 掘る.
石炭の掘削が続けられている。
Coal excavation is continuing.