Translation guide
The English word 'snip' can refer to cutting with scissors, a small cut, a bargain, or a small piece. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
To cut something with scissors in a quick, short motion.
This phrase mimics the sound of scissors and is commonly used for a quick snip.
紙をちょきんと切った。
I snipped the paper.
Means to cut off or cut out, often used for removing a part with scissors.
クーポンを切り取ってください。
Please snip out the coupon.
Literally 'cut with scissors', a straightforward way to describe snipping.
糸をはさみで切った。
I snipped the thread with scissors.
A small cut made with scissors or shears.
Refers to a cut or notch, often used for a small snip.
布に小さな切り目を入れた。
I made a small snip in the fabric.
Onomatopoeia for the sound of scissors, can also refer to the cut itself in casual contexts.
Something bought cheaply; a good deal.
Common term for a bargain or good value purchase.
このドレスはお買い得だった。
This dress was a snip.
Means 'bargain price', more formal and often used in advertising.
A small piece that has been cut from something larger.
Refers to a scrap or offcut, a small piece left after cutting.
布の切れ端を捨てた。
I threw away the snips of fabric.
Cuttings or scraps, often used for paper or metal shavings.
The word 'snip' in the sense of a bargain is British informal English. In Japanese, there is no direct equivalent that carries the same nuance. Use お買い得 or 掘り出し物 instead of trying to translate literally.
Make a snip with scissors.
A lucky find or bargain, often used for unexpectedly good deals.
このバッグは掘り出し物だよ。
This bag is a real snip.
格安で手に入れた。
I got it for a snip.
Snips of paper are scattered around.