Meaning and Usage
The verb 彫る (ほる) primarily means "to carve" or "to engrave." It is used when someone cuts or chisels a design, letters, or patterns into a hard surface such as wood, stone, metal, or skin (tattoos).
Common Contexts
- Carving names or images into wood or stone.
- Engraving decorative patterns on jewelry or art objects.
- Tattooing, where the ink is metaphorically "carved" into the skin.
Collocations and Patterns
- 名前を彫る (なまえをほる): to carve/engrave a name.
- 模様を彫る (もようをほる): to carve a pattern.
- タトゥーを彫る: to get a tattoo.
Register and Nuance
彫る is a neutral verb used in both casual and formal contexts. It often implies a careful, skillful action. When used for tattoos, it can sound more artistic or technical than just saying "tattoo."
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 彫る with 刻む (きざむ), which also means "to carve" or "to cut." 刻む often implies cutting into smaller pieces or making fine cuts, while 彫る emphasizes shaping or engraving a design. Use 彫る when focusing on the artistic or engraving aspect.