Translation guide
The English word "lumber" refers to wood that has been processed into beams and planks, primarily for construction. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese, from the most common general term to more specific or technical vocabulary.
To refer to wood processed for construction in a general sense.
The most common and neutral word for lumber or timber. Used in everyday conversation, business, and technical contexts.
この家は木材でできている。
This house is made of lumber.
木材の価格が上がっている。
The price of lumber is rising.
Often interchangeable with 木材, but can emphasize the material as a commodity or in the context of a lumberyard. Slightly more commercial feel.
材木屋で材木を買った。
I bought lumber at the lumberyard.
To emphasize the processed nature of lumber, such as planks, beams, or boards used in construction.
Refers specifically to lumber that has been sawn and processed. Common in industrial and construction contexts.
この工場では製材を生産している。
This factory produces lumber.
Refers to squared lumber or timber, such as beams and posts. Often used in carpentry.
Refers to board lumber, planks. Used when the flat shape is important.
To refer to lumber in its raw, unprocessed form, such as logs before sawing.
Means log. Used when referring to unprocessed tree trunks, often in forestry or rustic contexts.
丸太を運ぶトラック。
A truck carrying logs (lumber).
Refers to raw timber or logs before processing. Common in forestry and paper industries.
To express the English verb 'to lumber', meaning to move in a slow, heavy, awkward way.
Describes moving slowly and heavily, like a large animal. Often used for bears or large people.
クマがのそのそ歩いている。
A bear is lumbering along.
Implies heavy, thudding footsteps. Conveys a sense of weight and clumsiness.
彼はどしどしと部屋に入ってきた。
He lumbered into the room.
木材 (もくざい) is the most general term for wood as a material. 材木 (ざいもく) is often used in commercial contexts (lumberyard, buying/selling). 製材 (せいざい) specifically means processed lumber, emphasizing the manufacturing aspect. In most everyday situations, 木材 is the safest choice.
The English shout 'Timber!' when a tree falls is not translated directly. Instead, Japanese might say '木が倒れる！' (きがたおれる！, The tree is falling!) or simply shout a warning.
角材を柱に使う。
Use squared lumber for the pillars.
板材で棚を作った。
I made a shelf from lumber boards.
原木を製材所に送る。
Send the raw lumber to the sawmill.