Translation guide
A sheath is a close-fitting cover for a blade or tool. In Japanese, the most common word is 鞘 (さや), but other terms exist for specific contexts like scabbards, cases, or biological coverings.
The learner wants to refer to a protective case for a knife, sword, or similar object.
The general word for a sheath or scabbard, used for swords, knives, and other bladed tools. It can also refer to a case for pencils or brushes in some contexts.
The learner wants to describe a tubular structure that encloses an organ or part, such as a tendon sheath or leaf sheath.
Used in anatomy and botany for sheath-like structures, e.g., tendon sheath (腱鞘), leaf sheath (葉鞘).
The learner wants to refer to a condom using a slang term equivalent to 'sheath'.
Slang term for condom, derived from 'sack'. Considered vulgar or dated. Use with caution.
鞘 (さや) is the traditional term for a scabbard or sheath for blades. ケース is a general-purpose case. シース is a technical loanword for coverings like cable sheaths or medical sheaths.
The English slang 'sheath' for condom does not translate directly to 鞘. Use コンドーム for neutral contexts, or サック for crude slang.
刀を鞘に収める。
Sheathe the sword.
ナイフの鞘が壊れた。
The knife sheath broke.
Katakana form, sometimes used in technical or modern contexts, or for emphasis. Less common than the kanji form.
このサヤは特殊な素材でできている。
This sheath is made of a special material.
A loanword from English 'case', used for protective covers in general, including for knives or tools. More generic than 鞘.
ナイフをケースに入れてください。
Please put the knife in the case.
Tenosynovitis is a cause of wrist pain.
葉鞘が茎を包んでいる。
The leaf sheath encloses the stem.
Loanword from English 'sheath', used in technical fields like engineering or medicine for insulating or protective coverings.
ケーブルのシースを剥がす。
Strip the cable sheath.
This is a crude term and may be offensive. The standard word is コンドーム.
彼はサックを使わなかった。
He didn't use a rubber.