The verb 'horu' fundamentally describes the act of removing material to create a space or retrieve items from within.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To dig a hole in the ground.
- To extract something from inside an object.
- Used both literally and figuratively.
Overview
- 1概要：「掘る」は、地面や物体を削り取って穴を作ったり、中にあるものを探し出したりする動作を表す動詞です。基本的な物理的動作から、比喩的な表現まで幅広く使われます。2) 使用パターン：「～を掘る」という形で目的語を伴うのが一般的です。「穴を掘る」「土を掘る」のように対象を直接的に操作します。また、「温泉を掘る」のように、結果として何かを出現させる場合にも使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話では、ガーデニングや工事現場、あるいは埋蔵金を探すような冒険の文脈で頻繁に登場します。また、比喩的に「過去を掘り返す（過去の出来事を蒸し返す）」といった心理的な文脈でも用いられます。4) 類語との比較：「掘る」が物理的に穴を開けるのに対し、「採掘する」は鉱物などを取り出すという産業的なニュアンスが強くなります。また、「穿つ（うがつ）」はより硬い表現で、穴を開けるという結果を強調する際に使われます。
Examples
庭に穴を掘る。
everydayDig a hole in the garden.
地質調査のために深く掘削する。
formalExcavate deeply for geological survey.
そんなこと今さら掘らないでよ。
informalDon't bring that up now.
遺跡から土器が掘り出された。
academicEarthenware was excavated from the ruins.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
墓穴を掘る
Dig one's own grave
掘り出し物
A great find / bargain
過去を掘る
Dig into the past
Often Confused With
This refers specifically to mining or extracting minerals. It is much more formal than the general verb 'horu'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The verb 'horu' is neutral and commonly used in both speech and writing. When used figuratively to mean 'investigating' someone's private life, it can sound quite negative. Ensure the context is clear when using it in non-physical situations.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 'horu' with 'uru' (to sell) due to visual similarity. Also, ensure the particle 'o' is used correctly with the target of the digging. Avoid using 'horu' for abstract concepts unless you intend a negative, prying nuance.
Tips
Visualize the physical action
Imagine a shovel moving dirt. This physical image helps remember the core meaning of the verb.
Watch out for figurative use
Using 'horu' to refer to people's past can sound aggressive or intrusive. Be careful when using it in social contexts.
Cultural significance of digging
In Japan, digging for hot springs (onsen) is a major industry and cultural activity. The term is frequently heard in news regarding new facility construction.
Word Origin
The word originated from ancient Japanese roots describing the physical separation of earth. It has remained consistent in its core meaning throughout history.
Cultural Context
Digging is central to archaeology and construction in Japan. It is also a common trope in treasure hunting stories and children's play.
Memory Tip
Think of a dog digging in the yard. The sound 'ho' sounds like a bark, helping you remember the action of digging.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「掘る」は新しく穴を開ける動作を指しますが、「掘り返す」は一度埋めたものや、過去の出来事を再び取り出すというニュアンスが含まれます。
はい、あります。「過去を掘る」と言えば、誰かの知られたくない過去を詮索するという意味で使われることがあります。
はい、正しいです。地中深くを掘削して温泉を湧き出させることを「温泉を掘る」と表現します。
「掘る」の過去形は「掘った」です。否定形は「掘らない」となります。
Test Yourself
庭に小さな池を作るために、地面を___。
地面に穴を作る動作なので「掘る」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
The verb 'horu' fundamentally describes the act of removing material to create a space or retrieve items from within.
- To dig a hole in the ground.
- To extract something from inside an object.
- Used both literally and figuratively.
Visualize the physical action
Imagine a shovel moving dirt. This physical image helps remember the core meaning of the verb.
Watch out for figurative use
Using 'horu' to refer to people's past can sound aggressive or intrusive. Be careful when using it in social contexts.
Cultural significance of digging
In Japan, digging for hot springs (onsen) is a major industry and cultural activity. The term is frequently heard in news regarding new facility construction.
Examples
4 of 4庭に穴を掘る。
Dig a hole in the garden.
地質調査のために深く掘削する。
Excavate deeply for geological survey.
そんなこと今さら掘らないでよ。
Don't bring that up now.
遺跡から土器が掘り出された。
Earthenware was excavated from the ruins.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More geography words
〜を横切って
A2Across (a street, river, or area).
〜を越えて
B1Across or over (a boundary or obstacle).
〜通って
A2Through, via; passing through a place.
近くに
A2Nearby, in the vicinity, or close to.
沿う
A2To follow along (a road, river, or coast).
周りに
A2Around, surrounding, or in the vicinity of.
遠くへ
A2To a far place, far away.
〜の間に
A2Between, among; indicating a position in relation to others.
離れる
A2To move away from or be separated from something.
〜の向こうに
A2Beyond, on the other side of; indicating a position further away.
