Translation guide
The English word 'graver' can refer to a person who engraves, a tool used for engraving, or a comparative form of 'grave' (more serious). This guide focuses on the most common meanings for learners: the engraving tool and the person.
A sharp tool used for cutting designs into hard surfaces like metal or wood.
General term for a carving knife or chisel used in engraving or sculpture. Suitable for most contexts.
A person whose job or skill is to engrave designs onto surfaces.
The English word 'graver' can also be the comparative form of 'grave' (e.g., 'a graver situation'). In Japanese, this is expressed as より深刻な (yori shinkoku na) or もっと重大な (motto jūdai na). Do not use the tool or person words for this meaning.
彼は彫刻刀で木に模様を彫った。
He carved a pattern into the wood with a graver.
Loanword from French 'burin', specifically a steel engraving tool used in printmaking and metal engraving. Common in artistic and technical contexts.
銅版画を制作するためにビュランを使う。
I use a graver to create copperplate engravings.
Literally 'carving knife', can refer to a graver but is less specific. Often used in traditional crafts.
職人は刻み刀で細かい線を入れた。
The craftsman made fine lines with a graver.
A professional engraver or sculptor. Neutral and widely understood.
彼の祖父は有名な彫刻師だった。
His grandfather was a famous graver.
Often used for a carver or engraver, especially in traditional arts like netsuke or tattooing. Slightly more specialized.
その彫り師は象牙に精巧な彫刻を施した。
The graver applied intricate carvings to the ivory.
Specifically a printmaker or engraver who creates printing plates. Used in art contexts.
版画家は銅板にビュランで線を刻む。
The graver cuts lines into the copper plate with a burin.