Translation guide
A fence is a barrier enclosing an area, typically outdoors. In Japanese, the most common word is 柵 (saku), but other terms like フェンス, 垣根, and 塀 are used depending on material, height, and purpose.
A structure that encloses or divides an area, often made of wood, metal, or wire.
The most general word for a fence, often used for barriers around fields, gardens, or construction sites. Can be made of various materials.
庭に柵を作った。
I built a fence in the garden.
その柵は壊れている。
That fence is broken.
Loanword from English, commonly used for metal or wire fences, especially in residential or urban settings.
家の周りにフェンスを立てた。
We put up a fence around the house.
Refers to an enclosure or fence, often used for pens or stockades. Can also mean a hedge or wall.
馬が囲いから逃げ出した。
The horse escaped from the enclosure.
A fence made of wood or plants, often for gardens or traditional settings.
A high, solid barrier, often made of concrete, stone, or boards, for privacy or security.
A wall or fence, typically made of concrete, stone, or wood, used around houses or properties for privacy.
高い塀に囲まれた家。
A house surrounded by a high wall.
塀を塗り替える。
I repaint the fence/wall.
A wooden board fence, often used for privacy.
板塀で庭を囲む。
I enclose the garden with a wooden fence.
The sport of fencing, or a barrier in sports.
The sport of fencing. Use this for the activity.
彼はフェンシングが得意だ。
He is good at fencing.
Traditional Japanese swordsmanship, not modern Olympic fencing. Use for historical contexts.
The action of putting up a fence around something.
The criminal act of selling stolen goods.
Legal term for fencing stolen goods. Rare in everyday speech.
彼は盗品を故買した。
He fenced stolen goods.
柵 (saku) is the most general term for a fence, often implying a lighter structure. フェンス (fensu) is a loanword used for modern metal or wire fences. 塀 (hei) refers to a solid wall-like fence, often made of concrete or wood, providing privacy. Choose based on material and purpose.
フェンス only means a physical fence. For metaphorical 'fence' (e.g., 'on the fence'), use different expressions like どっちつかず (dotchitsukazu).
塀を塗り替える必要がある。
The fence needs painting.
彼らは柵の上に座った。
They sat on the fence.
生け垣が伸びすぎた。
The hedge has grown too much.
侍は剣術を習った。
Samurai learned swordsmanship.