ドリル
doriru[do̞ɾʲiɾɯ̟]
The English word 'drill' is translated into Japanese as ドリル (doriru).
The term refers to a tool used for making holes. In an educational context, a workbook or exercise book is often called a 'drill' (doriru), such as the term 練習用ドリル for a 'practice drill'.
Meaning: tool (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
doriru
Did you know?
- In Japanese pop culture and anime, the word ドリル is often used to describe a specific hairstyle where the hair is curled into tight, spiral cylinders that look like mechanical drills.
- While ドリル refers to the tool, the Japanese word for a dental drill is often 歯科用ハンドピース meaning 'dental handpiece', as the English loanword can sound too aggressive for a medical setting.
- While 'drill' in English can mean a repetitive training exercise, a Japanese person might use the word 訓練 (kunren) for a military or emergency drill instead of the loanword.
Examples in context
- これはドリルではない。This is not a drill.Tatoeba #7492729 by Ninja, translation #1112681 by CC
- 新しいドリルを買いました。Atarashii doriru o kaimashita.I bought a new drill.
- そのドリルはどこにありますか？Sono doriru wa doko ni arimasu ka?Where is that drill?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta is working on a DIY project in the living room.
- 結衣 Yui健太、そのドリルは使いやすい？Kenta, sono doriru wa tsukaiyasui?Kenta, is that drill easy to use?
- 健太 Kentaうん、とても使いやすいよ。Un, totemo tsukaiyasui yo.Yeah, it's very easy to use.
- 結衣 Yui貸してくれる？Kashite kureru?Can you lend it to me?
- 健太 Kentaいいよ、どうぞ。Ii yo, douzo.Sure, here you go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “drill” translations and entries ドリル, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
