チェーンソー
chēnsō[t͡ɕẽ̞ːɰ̃so̞ː]
The English phrase "chainsaw" is translated into Japanese as チェーンソー (chēnsō). Wiktionary also lists 鎖鋸 (kusarinoko).
Meaning: saw with a power-driven chain (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| チェーンソー | chēnsō | [t͡ɕẽ̞ːɰ̃so̞ː] (narrow) |
| 鎖鋸 | kusarinoko |
The term チェーンソー is the loanword for 'chainsaw' in Japanese and is commonly used in technical discussions or when referring to a chainsaw specifically. Another way to refer to a chainsaw is エンジンソー, which combines the words 'engine' (エンジン) and 'saw' (ソー).
Which one should you use?
The kanji form 鎖鋸 is a technical or formal term used in documentation or specialized contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
chēnsō
Did you know?
- The kanji 鋸 used in 鎖鋸 is an example of a 'kokuji', a character created in Japan rather than imported from China.
- The kanji 鎖 in 鎖鋸 means 'chain' and is the same character used in 鎖国, the historical policy of national isolation in Japan.
- In Japanese, the word for 'chain' (鎖) is also used in the context of a 'necklace' or 'bracelet' (鎖 or 'kusari'), showing how the same character functions in both industrial and decorative settings.
Examples in context
- なんでチェーンソーが必要なの？Why do you need a chainsaw?This sentence is useful for asking why a chainsaw is necessary.Tatoeba #7468248 by Ninja, translation #7467275 by CK
- チェーンソーを使って木を切ります。I will cut the wood using a chainsaw.
- エンジンソーで木を切るのが楽しい！It's fun to cut wood with a chainsaw!
- チェーンソーを使ってDIYプロジェクトをしています。I am doing a DIY project using a chainsaw.
- 私はチェーンソーを使いますI use a chainsaw
- 新しいチェーンソーを買いました。Atarashii chēnsō o kaimashita.I bought a new chainsaw.
- チェーンソーの刃が折れています。Chēnsō no ha ga orete imasu.The chainsaw blade is broken.
Example conversation
Kenta is working in the garden and Misaki approaches him.
- 美咲 Misakiそのチェーンソー、危なくないですか？Sono chēnsō, abunaku nai desu ka?Isn't that chainsaw dangerous?
- 健太 Kenta大丈夫、ちゃんと使っているよ。Daijōbu, chanto tsukatte iru yo.It's okay, I'm using it properly.
- 美咲 Misaki手袋もつけたほうがいいですよ。Tebukuro mo tsuketa hō ga ii desu yo.You should wear gloves, too.
- 健太 Kentaわかった、気をつけるね。Wakatta, ki o tsukeru ne.Got it, I'll be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chainsaw” translations and entries チェーンソー, 鎖鋸, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
