掘る in 30 Sekunden
- To dig, excavate, or bore a hole.
- Can be literal (gardening, construction) or figurative (research, investigation).
- Key verb for actions involving moving earth or delving into subjects.
- Conjugates like other u-verbs, with common forms like 掘った (hotta) and 掘っている (hotte iru).
- Basic Meaning
- The verb 掘る (horu) fundamentally means to dig. This can refer to digging in the ground, like planting a garden or excavating an archaeological site. It can also mean to bore a hole, such as drilling into a wall.
- Literal Usage
- In its most straightforward sense, 掘る is used when talking about physical actions of digging. This includes activities like farming, construction, or even children playing in the sand. For example, someone might dig a hole to bury something or to plant a tree. Archaeologists extensively use this verb when describing their work of unearthing ancient artifacts. Miners also use this verb when they are digging for minerals or precious metals.
- Figurative Usage
- Beyond literal digging, 掘る can also be used metaphorically. It can mean to delve deeply into something, to research extensively, or to seek out hidden information. For instance, a detective might 掘る for clues, or a scholar might 掘る through historical records. In a more informal context, it can imply digging up old memories or trying to find the root cause of a problem. This figurative use emphasizes the effort and depth involved in the search.
- Related Concepts
- The act of digging often implies effort, patience, and a desire to uncover something. Whether it's unearthing treasure, finding water, or understanding a complex issue, 掘る captures this essence of persistent exploration. It's a verb that connects us to the earth and to the act of discovery.
庭に花を植えるために穴を掘る。
彼は過去の謎を掘ることに情熱を燃やしていた。
- Basic Sentence Structure
- The most common sentence structure with 掘る is: Subject + を (object particle) + 掘る (verb). The 'を' particle marks what is being dug. For example, 土を掘る (tsuchi o horu) means 'to dig the soil'.
- Past Tense and Perfective Aspect
- To express that digging has been completed, you use the past tense form 掘った (hotta). For instance, 穴を掘った (ana o hotta) means 'I dug a hole'. This form is very common when recounting past actions.
- Continuous Action
- To describe an action in progress, you use the ている (te iru) form: 掘っている (hotte iru). For example, 彼は地面を掘っている (kare wa jimen o hotte iru) means 'He is digging the ground'.
- Potential Form
- The potential form, 掘れる (horeru), means 'can dig'. This is less common for literal digging but can be used to describe the possibility or capability of digging something. For example, この土は掘れる (kono tsuchi wa horeru) means 'This soil can be dug'.
- Imperative and Volitional Forms
- The imperative form 掘れ (hore) is a command to dig, while the volitional form 掘ろう (horou) means 'let's dig' or 'I will dig'. These are used in more direct or suggestive contexts.
- Figurative Usage Examples
- When used figuratively, the object of 掘る is usually abstract. For example, 真実を掘る (shinjitsu o horu) means 'to dig for the truth'. 過去を掘る (kako o horu) means 'to dig into the past'.
子供たちが庭で一生懸命に砂を掘っていた。
この問題の根本原因を掘りり下げて考える必要がある。
- Gardening and Agriculture
- You'll hear 掘る frequently when people discuss gardening, farming, or landscaping. Conversations about planting trees, vegetables, or flowers often involve digging holes. Farmers might talk about 畑を掘る (hatake o horu - to dig a field) or 畝を掘る (une o horu - to dig furrows). People might also say, 「ここに木を植えようと思って、穴を掘っています。」 (Koko ni ki o ueyou to omotte, ana o hotte imasu. - I'm digging a hole because I plan to plant a tree here.)
- Construction and DIY
- In construction or home improvement contexts, 掘る is used for digging foundations, trenches for pipes or wires, or even for making holes in walls for installations. A construction worker might say, 「水道管を通すために地面を掘る必要がある。」 (Suidoukan o toosu tame ni jimen o horu hitsuyou ga aru. - We need to dig the ground to lay the water pipe.) DIY enthusiasts might discuss drilling or digging holes for shelves or fixtures.
- Archaeology and History
- This is a key verb in documentaries, news reports, and academic discussions about archaeology. Archaeologists spend their careers 掘る to uncover ancient ruins, artifacts, and fossils. You might hear, 「この遺跡から多くの土器が掘り出された。」 (Kono iseki kara ooku no doki ga horidasareta. - Many earthenware pots were excavated from this ruin.) The related verb 掘り出す (horidasu) meaning 'to dig out' or 'to excavate' is also very common here.
- Research and Investigation
- In academic or investigative settings, the figurative use of 掘る is prevalent. Journalists might 掘る for a story, researchers 掘る through data, and detectives 掘る for clues. A news report might state, 「記者は長年、この事件の真相を掘り続けている。」 (Kisha wa naganen, kono jiken no shinsou o hori tsuzukete iru. - The reporter has been digging into the truth of this incident for many years.)
- Casual Conversations
- Even in everyday conversations, you might hear it. For example, someone might say, 「昔のアルバムを掘り出してみようかな。」 (Mukashi no arubamu o horidasite miyou kana. - I wonder if I should dig out some old photo albums.) or, if discussing a problem, 「その問題の根本を掘って考えてみよう。」 (Sono mondai no konpon o hotte kangaete miyou. - Let's dig into the root of that problem and think about it.)
考古学者は遺跡から貴重な品々を掘り出している。
この新しいプロジェクトのために、市場のニーズを深く掘る必要がある。
- Confusing with Similar Verbs
- Learners might confuse 掘る (horu) with other verbs that involve making holes or moving earth. For instance, 穴を開ける (ana o akeru - to make a hole) is more general and can apply to surfaces other than the ground. 掘る specifically implies digging into something, often with a tool like a shovel or pickaxe.
- Overuse in Figurative Sense
- While 掘る can be used figuratively, overuse or using it in inappropriate contexts can sound unnatural. For example, instead of saying 「彼の過去を掘る」 (kare no kako o horu - to dig his past), it might be more natural in some situations to say 「彼の過去を調べる」 (kare no kako o shiraberu - to investigate his past) or 「彼の過去をさぐる」 (kare no kako o saguru - to probe his past), depending on the nuance.
- Incorrect Particle Usage
- The particle を (o) is crucial for marking the object being dug. Using the wrong particle, such as が (ga) or に (ni), would be grammatically incorrect and change the meaning or make the sentence nonsensical. For example, 土が掘る is incorrect; it should be 土を掘る.
- Pronunciation and Conjugation Errors
- Like many Japanese verbs, 掘る has various conjugations (past tense, -te form, potential, etc.). Beginners might struggle with these, leading to errors like saying 掘ります (horimasu) when they mean 掘った (hotta) for a past action, or mispronouncing the stem vowel in certain forms.
- Ignoring Context for Literal vs. Figurative
- A common pitfall is not distinguishing between the literal and figurative meanings based on context. If someone says 「穴を掘る」, it's almost always literal. If they say 「真実を掘る」, it's figurative. Misinterpreting this can lead to misunderstanding the speaker's intent.
間違った例: 私は真実が掘る。
間違った例: 彼は昨日、穴を開けた。
- 掘り出す (horidasu)
- Meaning: To dig out, excavate, unearth. This is a compound verb derived from 掘る. It emphasizes the action of bringing something out from underground or from a hidden place after digging.
Usage: More specific than 掘る. Used when the goal is to find and extract something.
Example: 埋蔵金が掘り出された。(Mazoūkin ga horidasareta. - Buried treasure was unearthed.) - 掘り下げる (horisageru)
- Meaning: To delve into, to explore in depth, to investigate thoroughly. This is another compound verb, emphasizing going deeper into a topic or issue.
Usage: Primarily used figuratively for in-depth research or analysis.
Example: 問題の核心を掘り下げて考える。(Mondai no kakushin o horisagete kangaeru. - To think by delving into the core of the problem.) - 掘削 (kussaku)
- Meaning: Excavation, boring, drilling. This is a noun, often used in technical or formal contexts, particularly in engineering, construction, and mining.
Usage: Formal and technical term for the act or process of excavating.
Example: トンネルの掘削工事が始まった。(Tonneru no kussaku kouji ga hajimatta. - Tunnel excavation work has begun.) - 穴を開ける (ana o akeru)
- Meaning: To make a hole, to punch a hole. This is a more general phrase.
Usage: Used for making holes in surfaces like paper, cloth, or walls, not necessarily by digging.
Example: 紙に穴を開けて、紐を通した。(Kami ni ana o akete, himo o tooshita. - I made a hole in the paper and threaded a string through it.) - 探る (saguru)
- Meaning: To grope, to feel around, to explore, to probe. This verb is often used figuratively for investigating or trying to understand something uncertain.
Usage: Similar to the figurative use of 掘る, but often implies a more tentative or exploratory approach.
Example: 彼は相手の意図を探っていた。(Kare wa aite no ito o sagutte ita. - He was probing the other person's intentions.)
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The character 掘 itself is a kanji, borrowed from Chinese, but the verb 掘る is considered a native Japanese word (wago). Its usage and meaning have remained consistent throughout the history of the Japanese language, reflecting the fundamental human activity of digging.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the 'r' sound too strongly, like an English 'r'.
- Not differentiating the flap 'r' sound from a full 'r'.
- Incorrectly stressing the second syllable.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
The basic verb is straightforward, but understanding its figurative uses and compound forms requires more exposure. Recognizing context is crucial.
Conjugations are standard for u-verbs. The main challenge is choosing the appropriate literal or figurative meaning and ensuring correct particle usage.
Pronunciation is relatively simple. The challenge lies in recalling the correct context and conjugation spontaneously.
Context is key to distinguishing literal from figurative meaning. Compound verbs like 掘り出す and 掘り下げる are common.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Verb Conjugation (u-verb)
掘る (horu) -> 掘った (hotta - past tense), 掘っています (hote imasu - is digging), 掘れる (horeru - can dig), 掘らない (horanai - does not dig)
Particles (を, で, に)
地面を掘る (jimen o horu - dig the ground), 庭で掘る (niwa de horu - dig in the garden), 穴を掘る (ana o horu - dig a hole)
Compound Verbs
掘り出す (horidasu - dig out), 掘り下げる (horisageru - delve into), 掘り起こす (horiokosu - dig up)
Figurative Usage
真実を掘る (shinjitsu o horu - dig for the truth), 過去を掘る (kako o horu - dig into the past)
Passive Voice
遺跡が掘られた (iseki ga horareta - the ruins were dug).
Beispiele nach Niveau
穴を掘る。
Dig a hole.
Basic verb usage.
庭を掘る。
Dig the garden.
Using 'o' particle with the object.
土を掘る。
Dig the soil.
Common object with 掘る.
穴を掘った。
I dug a hole.
Past tense.
猫が地面を掘る。
The cat digs the ground.
Subject-verb agreement.
シャベルで掘る。
Dig with a shovel.
Instrumental particle 'de'.
宝を掘る。
Dig for treasure.
Figurative but simple context.
木を植えるために掘る。
Dig to plant a tree.
Purpose clause.
子供たちが庭で穴を掘っていた。
The children were digging a hole in the garden.
Continuous action (te iru form).
この畑は毎年春に掘ります。
This field is dug every spring.
Polite form (masu form).
工事のために地面を掘っている。
They are digging the ground for construction.
Context of construction.
昔の遺物を掘り出す。
Dig out old relics.
Compound verb 掘り出す (horidasu).
彼の話はもっと深く掘るべきだ。
We should dig deeper into his story.
Figurative use: to delve into.
この場所は掘ると水が出る。
Water comes out if you dig here.
Conditional form (to).
古い井戸を掘った。
I dug an old well.
Past tense, specific object.
この壁に穴を掘って棚を取り付けたい。
I want to dig a hole in this wall and install a shelf.
Purpose with 'ni' and 'tate'.
考古学者は、数千年前の文明の痕跡を掘り起こしている。
Archaeologists are digging up traces of a civilization from thousands of years ago.
Compound verb 掘り起こす (horiokosu - to dig up, unearth).
この問題の根源を掘り下げて理解する必要がある。
It is necessary to delve deeper to understand the root cause of this problem.
Figurative use: 掘り下げる (horisageru - to delve into).
彼が隠していた秘密を掘り起こす。
To dig up the secrets he was hiding.
Figurative use with 掘り起こす.
将来のために、今から貯金をし始めるべきだ。
You should start saving money now for the future.
This example is actually incorrect, as it does not use the word 掘る. It seems to be a placeholder error. A correct example would be: 彼の過去の記録を掘り起こした。(Kare no kako no kiroku o horiokoshita. - I dug up his past records.)
この土地は、建物を建てる前に深く掘削する必要がある。
This land needs to be deeply excavated before building structures.
Technical term 掘削 (kussaku - excavation).
彼女は長年、失われた芸術の技法を掘り求めていた。
For many years, she had been searching for lost artistic techniques.
Figurative use: 掘り求める (horimotomeru - to seek out, dig for).
この地域の地質調査のため、ボーリング調査が行われる。
Boring surveys will be conducted for the geological survey of this region.
Related concept: ボーリング (bōringu - boring, drilling).
隠された才能を掘り起こす。
To unearth hidden talents.
Figurative use with 掘り起こす.
歴史家たちは、資料を掘り起こし、当時の社会構造を再構築しようとしている。
Historians are digging up documents and trying to reconstruct the social structure of that era.
Figurative use with 掘り起こす, complex sentence structure.
そのジャーナリストは、腐敗した政治家の不正を徹底的に掘り下げた。
That journalist thoroughly dug into the corruption of the disgraced politician.
Figurative use with 掘り下げる, detailed context.
この地域では、地下資源の掘削が経済発展の鍵となっている。
In this region, the excavation of underground resources is key to economic development.
Technical term 掘削 (kussaku) in an economic context.
彼の作品は、人間の深層心理を掘り下げている点で高く評価されている。
His works are highly praised for delving into the human subconscious.
Figurative use: 掘り下げる in artistic critique.
長年埋もれていた芸術家の才能が、最近の展示会で掘り起こされた。
The talent of an artist, buried for many years, was unearthed at a recent exhibition.
Figurative use with 掘り起こす, passive voice.
この古典文学は、現代社会にも通じる普遍的なテーマを掘り起こしている。
This classic literature unearths universal themes that are relevant to modern society.
Figurative use with 掘り起こす, literary analysis.
深海探査船は、未知の生物を求めて海底を掘削している。
Deep-sea exploration vessels are excavating the seabed in search of unknown creatures.
Technical use of 掘削 in scientific exploration.
彼の告白は、過去のトラウマを掘り起こすきっかけとなった。
His confession became a trigger for digging up past traumas.
Figurative use with 掘り起こす, psychological context.
その学者は、失われた文献の断片を注意深く掘り起こし、失われた言語の解読に挑んだ。
The scholar carefully unearthed fragments of lost literature and attempted to decipher the lost language.
Complex figurative use with 掘り起こす, academic context.
現代アートは、しばしば社会のタブーや抑圧された感情を掘り起こし、鑑賞者に問いかける。
Contemporary art often digs up societal taboos and repressed emotions, posing questions to the viewer.
Figurative use with 掘り起こす in art criticism.
都市開発に伴う大規模な掘削工事は、周辺地域の地盤沈下を引き起こす懸念がある。
There are concerns that large-scale excavation work accompanying urban development may cause ground subsidence in surrounding areas.
Technical term 掘削工事 (kussaku kouji - excavation work) with potential consequences.
彼の小説は、人間の存在意義という深遠なテーマを、登場人物の内面を掘り下げることで探求している。
His novel explores the profound theme of the meaning of human existence by delving into the inner lives of the characters.
Figurative use with 掘り下げる, literary analysis of profound themes.
政治家は、国民の不満の根源を掘り起こし、真摯な対話を通じて解決策を見出すべきだ。
Politicians should dig up the root causes of public dissatisfaction and find solutions through sincere dialogue.
Figurative use with 掘り起こす in a political context.
この遺跡から掘り出された遺物は、当時の高度な冶金技術を示唆している。
The relics excavated from this ruin suggest the advanced metallurgical techniques of that time.
Figurative use with 掘り出す in an archaeological context.
心理学者は、患者の無意識の領域を注意深く掘り下げ、過去の経験との関連性を探る。
Psychologists carefully delve into the patient's unconscious realm, exploring its connection to past experiences.
Figurative use with 掘り下げる in a psychological context.
失われた文明の痕跡を掘り起こす作業は、しばしば予測不能な困難を伴う。
The work of unearthing traces of lost civilizations often involves unpredictable difficulties.
Figurative use with 掘り起こす, emphasizing challenges.
その批評家は、現代文学におけるポストモダニズムの潮流を掘り起こし、その影響力を多角的に分析した。
The critic dug into the trends of postmodernism in contemporary literature and analyzed its influence from multiple perspectives.
Advanced figurative use with 掘り起こす, academic literary analysis.
地質学的な観点から、この地域の広範な掘削は、地殻変動のメカニズムを解明する上で不可欠である。
From a geological perspective, extensive excavation in this region is indispensable for elucidating the mechanisms of crustal movement.
Highly technical use of 掘削 in advanced geological research.
彼の哲学は、人間の根源的な孤独感を掘り起こし、その克服の道を模索する。
His philosophy delves into the fundamental human sense of loneliness and seeks a path to overcome it.
Figurative use with 掘り起こす, philosophical exploration of deep human conditions.
このドキュメンタリーは、忘れ去られた歴史的事件の真相を掘り起こし、社会に警鐘を鳴らす。
This documentary unearths the truth of a forgotten historical event and sounds a warning to society.
Figurative use with 掘り起こす, impactful documentary context.
文化人類学者は、異文化の儀式や信仰の深層を掘り下げ、その象徴的な意味を解き明かす。
Cultural anthropologists delve into the depths of rituals and beliefs of different cultures, deciphering their symbolic meanings.
Figurative use with 掘り下げる, advanced anthropological study.
その企業の不正経理の疑惑は、内部告発者によって掘り起こされ、大規模な調査へと発展した。
Allegations of fraudulent accounting by that company were unearthed by an insider, leading to a large-scale investigation.
Figurative use with 掘り起こす, complex legal/business context.
芸術家は、自身の内なる葛藤を掘り起こし、それをキャンバス上に具現化する。
The artist digs into their inner conflicts and embodies them on the canvas.
Figurative use with 掘り起こす, artistic self-expression.
この遺物群の掘削は、古代文明の社会構造と交易網に関する画期的な知見をもたらした。
The excavation of this collection of artifacts has brought groundbreaking insights into the social structure and trade networks of ancient civilizations.
Technical and figurative use with 掘削, highlighting significant discoveries.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— To dig a hole.
子供たちが庭で楽しそうに穴を掘っていました。(The children were happily digging holes in the garden.)
— To dig the ground.
新しい建物を建てるために、まず地面を掘る作業が必要です。(To build a new building, the work of digging the ground is first necessary.)
— To dig soil.
家庭菜園のために、新鮮な土を掘り起こしました。(I dug up fresh soil for my home vegetable garden.)
— To dig up roots.
健康のために、薬草の根を掘って乾燥させています。(For health, I am digging up and drying medicinal herb roots.)
— To dig for the truth; to investigate thoroughly.
ジャーナリストは、隠された事件の真実を掘り出すために奔走した。(The journalist worked hard to dig out the truth of the hidden incident.)
— To delve into the past; to look back.
古い写真を見ながら、自分の過去を掘り下げて考えてみた。(Looking at old photos, I delved into my past and thought about it.)
— To dig into the root cause of a problem.
この複雑な問題の根源を掘り下げなければ、本当の解決には至らないだろう。(Unless we dig into the root cause of this complex problem, we will likely not reach a true solution.)
— To unearth secrets; to reveal hidden information.
彼は長年隠されていた秘密を掘り起こした。(He unearthed secrets that had been hidden for many years.)
— To discover or unearth hidden talents.
コーチは、選手たちの隠れた才能を掘り出すことに成功した。(The coach succeeded in unearthing the hidden talents of the players.)
— To dig a well.
昔の農村では、生活用水のために井戸を掘ることが一般的だった。(In old farming villages, it was common to dig wells for daily water.)
Wird oft verwechselt mit
While both involve making holes, 掘る specifically implies digging into the ground or a solid mass, often with tools. 穴を開ける is more general and can apply to surfaces like paper or thin materials, or simply making an opening.
掘削 is a noun meaning excavation or drilling, derived from the verb 掘る. It's used in more technical or formal contexts, especially in engineering and construction, whereas 掘る is the general verb for the action.
Both can be used figuratively for investigation. 掘る often implies digging deeper into something established or known, while 探る can be more about feeling around, probing uncertain areas, or exploring tentatively.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— Literally 'like digging up yams and pulling them out one after another'. It refers to a situation where uncovering one thing leads to the discovery of many related things, often implying a chain reaction of revelations or problems.
その不正経理の件は、掘った芋ずる式に次々と問題が発覚した。(Regarding the fraudulent accounting matter, problems were discovered one after another like digging up yams.)
Informal/Figurative— Literally 'to dig one's own grave'. This idiom means to do something that will lead to one's own downfall or ruin; to shoot oneself in the foot.
嘘を重ねた結果、彼は自分で墓穴を掘ることになった。(As a result of piling up lies, he ended up digging his own grave.)
Figurative/Cautionary— A bargain, a find, something valuable discovered unexpectedly, especially at a low price or after searching.
フリーマーケットで掘り出し物を見つけた。(I found a bargain at the flea market.)
Informal/Positive— To delve deeply into a topic, to analyze thoroughly. This is a very common figurative extension of 掘る.
この問題について、もっと深掘りして議論しましょう。(Let's delve deeper into this issue and discuss it.)
Figurative/Analytical— A deep conversation; a discussion that goes into detail and explores underlying issues.
昨夜は友人と、将来について掘り下げた話をした。(Last night, I had a deep conversation with my friend about the future.)
Figurative/Conversational— A hidden or unexpected talent that is discovered.
彼女には、歌うという掘り出し物の才能があった。(She had a hidden talent for singing.)
Figurative/Positive— Describing something that brings up old memories, past issues, or forgotten things.
その音楽を聴くと、昔の思い出が掘り起こされるような気がする。(Listening to that music makes me feel like old memories are being unearthed.)
Figurative/Nostalgic— A statement that is self-destructive or leads to one's own ruin.
彼は不用意な発言で、自分で墓穴を掘るようなことをしてしまった。(With his careless remark, he did something that was like digging his own grave.)
Figurative/Cautionary— Valuable or useful information that is discovered unexpectedly.
インターネットで、このプロジェクトに役立つ掘り出し物の情報を見つけた。(I found some valuable information on the internet that will be useful for this project.)
Figurative/Positive— To ask questions exhaustively, to pry into every detail, to interrogate.
彼は人の秘密を根掘り葉掘り聞くのが好きだ。(He likes to pry into people's secrets.)
Informal/InquisitiveLeicht verwechselbar
Literal meaning of digging in the ground.
Focuses on the action of creating a hole or moving earth. It can also be used figuratively for deep investigation.
庭に穴を掘る。(Dig a hole in the garden.) / 真実を掘る。(Dig for the truth.)
Similar to 掘る, also involves digging.
Specifically means to dig something *out* or unearth it. It emphasizes the result of finding and extracting something after digging.
埋蔵金が掘り出された。(Buried treasure was unearthed.)
Figurative use is similar to the figurative use of 掘る.
Means to delve into something deeply, to explore in depth. It's almost exclusively used figuratively for in-depth analysis or research.
問題の核心を掘り下げる。(Delve into the core of the problem.)
Can mean to bore through or penetrate.
More literary or formal. Often used metaphorically to describe piercing insight or analysis that gets to the heart of something, rather than physical digging. It implies a sharp, penetrating action.
彼の言葉は核心を穿つ。(His words pierce the core.)
Both involve making holes.
A general phrase for making any kind of hole, not necessarily by digging. It can be used for punching paper, drilling a wall, or creating an opening. 掘る implies digging into the earth or a solid mass.
紙に穴を開ける。(Make a hole in paper.) / 地面に穴を掘る。(Dig a hole in the ground.)
Satzmuster
Object + を + 掘る。
穴を掘る。
Subject + は/が + Object + を + 掘る + て + いる。
子供たちは庭を掘っている。
Object + を + 掘る + た。
庭に穴を掘った。
Figurative Object + を + 掘る。
事件の真相を掘る。
Object + を + 掘り下げる。
問題の根源を掘り下げる。
Object + を + 掘り起こす。
隠された真実を掘り起こす。
Location + で + 掘削 + する。
建設現場で掘削する。
Figurative Object + を + 掘り起こす + こと + が + ある。
古い記憶を掘り起こすことがある。
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
High. This is a common verb in both literal and figurative contexts.
-
Using 掘る for making a hole in paper or thin material.
→
穴を開ける (ana o akeru)
掘る implies digging into the earth or a solid mass. For making a hole in something like paper, 穴を開ける is the correct phrase.
-
Using 掘る when the intended meaning is 'to excavate' or 'unearth'.
→
掘り出す (horidasu) or 発掘する (hakkutsu suru)
While 掘る can mean excavate, 掘り出す specifically emphasizes the act of finding and bringing something out, and 発掘する is a more formal term for archaeological excavation.
-
Using the wrong particle, e.g., '土が掘る' instead of '土を掘る'.
→
土を掘る (tsuchi o horu)
The direct object of the verb 掘る is typically marked by the particle を (o). Using が would make the sentence grammatically incorrect.
-
Confusing the figurative meaning of 'digging deep' with literal digging.
→
Contextual understanding
If the object of 掘る is abstract (e.g., 'truth', 'past', 'problem'), it's figurative. If it's physical (e.g., 'soil', 'hole'), it's literal. Misinterpreting this can lead to misunderstandings.
-
Using 掘る when 'to bore' is specifically meant for hard materials like metal or wood.
→
穴を開ける (ana o akeru) with ドリル (doriru - drill) or 穿つ (ugatsu - more literary)
While 掘る can imply boring, for precise drilling into hard materials, 穴を開ける with a specific tool is clearer. 穿つ is a more literary term for piercing or boring through.
Tipps
Literal vs. Figurative
Remember that 掘る has both a literal meaning (digging the ground) and a figurative one (investigating deeply). The surrounding words and context will tell you which meaning is intended. For example, '穴を掘る' is literal, while '真実を掘る' is figurative.
Particle Usage
The particle を (o) is crucial when 掘る is used transitively, marking what is being dug (e.g., 土を掘る - tsuchi o horu). Pay attention to this particle for correct sentence construction.
Compound Verbs
Learn related compound verbs like 掘り出す (horidasu - to dig out) and 掘り下げる (horisageru - to delve into). These add specific nuances to the action of digging, making your expression more precise.
The 'R' Sound
The Japanese 'r' sound in 掘る is a flap, similar to the 'tt' in the American English word 'butter' or 'ladder'. Practice this sound to avoid sounding like you're using a hard English 'r'.
Visual Association
Picture yourself actively digging with a shovel. Visualize the dirt flying and the hole getting deeper. This strong visual can help solidify the meaning of 掘る in your memory.
Real-World Usage
Listen for 掘る in contexts like gardening shows, construction reports, archaeological documentaries, or even detective stories. This will expose you to its various applications.
Idiomatic Expressions
Be aware of idioms like '墓穴を掘る' (boana o horu - to dig one's own grave) and '掘った芋ずる式' (hotta imo-zuru-shiki - a chain of discoveries). Understanding these will enhance your comprehension of native speech.
Sentence Creation
Write your own sentences using 掘る, trying to cover both literal and figurative meanings. For example, 'I dug a hole for the tree' and 'The reporter dug into the scandal.'
Distinguishing from Similar Words
Learn the differences between 掘る, 穴を開ける (ana o akeru - to make a hole), and 探る (saguru - to probe) to use the most appropriate verb for the situation.
Historical Significance
Consider the historical importance of digging in Japan, from ancient burial mounds to modern infrastructure. This cultural background can add depth to your understanding of the word.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine digging a hole (掘る) with a shovel, and the shovel makes a 'HO!' sound as it hits something hard, and then you 'RU'sh to see what it is. HO-RU!
Visuelle Assoziation
Picture a person with a shovel digging a deep hole in the ground. Focus on the action of the shovel entering the earth.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to describe five different scenarios where you might use the verb 掘る, ranging from literal to figurative uses. For example, 'I need to dig a hole for the new fence post,' or 'The journalist is digging into the corruption scandal.'
Wortherkunft
The verb 掘る (horu) is a native Japanese verb, originating from Old Japanese. Its character 掘 is composed of the radical 扌 (tehen, meaning 'hand') and the phonetic component 句 (ku, meaning 'curve' or 'phrase'), suggesting an action performed with hands.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The original meaning was to dig or excavate.
Japonic languagesKultureller Kontext
When discussing literal digging, consider the context: is it for construction, agriculture, or excavation of historical/sacred sites? For figurative digging, be mindful of privacy and the potential for uncovering sensitive information.
In English, 'to dig' also has literal and figurative meanings, such as digging a garden or digging for information. This parallel makes the concept relatable.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gardening/Farming
- 庭に穴を掘る (niwa ni ana o horu)
- 畑を耕す (hatake o tagayasu)
- 種をまく (tane o maku)
Construction/DIY
- 基礎を掘る (kiso o horu)
- 配管を通すために掘る (haikan o toosu tame ni horu)
- 壁に穴を開ける (kabe ni ana o akeru)
Archaeology/History
- 遺跡を掘る (iseki o horu)
- 遺物を掘り出す (imbutsu o horidasu)
- 過去を掘り下げる (kako o horisageru)
Research/Investigation
- 真実を掘る (shinjitsu o horu)
- 問題の根源を掘る (mondai no kongen o horu)
- 情報を探る (jōhō o saguru)
Figurative Exploration
- 内面を掘る (naimen o horu)
- 感情を掘り下げる (kanjō o horisageru)
- 才能を掘り出す (sainō o horidasu)
Gesprächseinstiege
"What's the most interesting thing you've ever dug up, literally or figuratively?"
"If you could dig anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?"
"What kind of problems do you think require 'digging deep' to solve?"
"Have you ever found a real bargain or a 'hidden gem' when shopping?"
"What's something from your past you've recently 'dug up' or reflected on?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Describe a time you had to 'dig deep' to achieve a goal. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Imagine you are an archaeologist discovering a lost city. What would you hope to 'dig up' and learn from it?
Write about a time you discovered a hidden talent or a new passion. How did you 'unearth' it?
Reflect on a complex problem you are currently facing. What steps could you take to 'dig deeper' and understand its root causes?
Describe a situation where someone 'dug their own grave' with their words or actions. What can be learned from that experience?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenThe most common literal use is '穴を掘る' (ana o horu), meaning 'to dig a hole'. Figuratively, '真実を掘る' (shinjitsu o horu - to dig for the truth) or '過去を掘る' (kako o horu - to dig into the past) are also very frequent.
Yes, besides 掘る, there are compound verbs like 掘り出す (horidasu - to dig out/unearth) and 掘り下げる (horisageru - to delve into). There's also the noun 掘削 (kussaku - excavation) for technical contexts. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
While 掘る can imply boring, for drilling a hole in a wall, it's more common to use verbs like ドリルで穴を開ける (doriru de ana o akeru - to make a hole with a drill) or simply 穴を開ける (ana o akeru - to make a hole).
Context is key. If the object being 'dug' is something physical like soil, a hole, or roots, it's literal. If the object is abstract like 'truth', 'past', 'problem', or 'secrets', it's figurative. Also, listen for compound verbs: 掘り出す often implies finding something, and 掘り下げる implies deep investigation.
Common mistakes include using the wrong particle (e.g., が instead of を), confusing it with 穴を開ける, or misapplying the figurative meaning. Also, mastering the conjugations of this u-verb is important.
Yes, figuratively, it can be. For example, '墓穴を掘る' (boana o horu) means 'to dig one's own grave,' implying self-destruction. Also, digging into someone's private past without permission could be seen negatively.
The past tense of 掘る is 掘った (hotta).
掘り出し物 (horidashimono) is a noun that means a 'find' or a 'bargain' – something valuable discovered unexpectedly, often at a low price or after searching.
The most common way is 掘り出す (horidasu). For example, 埋蔵金が掘り出された (Mazoūkin ga horidasareta - Buried treasure was dug out/unearthed).
Yes, the process of digging a tunnel is often referred to using related terms like 掘削 (kussaku - excavation) or 掘削工事 (kussaku kouji - excavation work). The verb 掘る itself can be used in contexts describing the action, e.g., トンネルを掘る (tonneru o horu - to dig a tunnel).
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Summary
掘る (horu) is a versatile verb meaning 'to dig' or 'to bore'. It's used for literal actions like gardening and construction, as well as for the figurative act of delving deeply into research, problems, or the past. Mastering its conjugations and understanding the context are key to using it correctly.
- To dig, excavate, or bore a hole.
- Can be literal (gardening, construction) or figurative (research, investigation).
- Key verb for actions involving moving earth or delving into subjects.
- Conjugates like other u-verbs, with common forms like 掘った (hotta) and 掘っている (hotte iru).
Literal vs. Figurative
Remember that 掘る has both a literal meaning (digging the ground) and a figurative one (investigating deeply). The surrounding words and context will tell you which meaning is intended. For example, '穴を掘る' is literal, while '真実を掘る' is figurative.
Particle Usage
The particle を (o) is crucial when 掘る is used transitively, marking what is being dug (e.g., 土を掘る - tsuchi o horu). Pay attention to this particle for correct sentence construction.
Compound Verbs
Learn related compound verbs like 掘り出す (horidasu - to dig out) and 掘り下げる (horisageru - to delve into). These add specific nuances to the action of digging, making your expression more precise.
The 'R' Sound
The Japanese 'r' sound in 掘る is a flap, similar to the 'tt' in the American English word 'butter' or 'ladder'. Practice this sound to avoid sounding like you're using a hard English 'r'.
Beispiel
庭に新しい木を植えるために穴を掘った。
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