Dictionary
English - Japanese
Tool
tul
Very common
~ 1700
~ 1700
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
道具 (どうぐ), 手段 (しゅだん), ツール, 道具立て (どうぐだて)
Tool meanings in Japanese
道具 (どうぐ)
Example:
I need a tool to fix my bike.
自転車を修理するために道具が必要です。
He has a set of tools for woodworking.
彼は木工用の道具セットを持っています。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in practical situations involving physical tools for repair, construction, or crafting.
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'tool' and can refer to any instrument used to perform a task.
手段 (しゅだん)
Example:
Education is a tool for social change.
教育は社会変革の手段です。
He used his charm as a tool to win her over.
彼は彼女を惹きつけるために魅力を手段として使いました。
Usage: formalContext: Used in discussions about methods, means, or strategies to achieve a goal.
Note: This meaning emphasizes the conceptual use of 'tool' as a means to achieve something, rather than a physical object.
ツール
Example:
I used a software tool to edit the video.
ビデオを編集するためにソフトウェアツールを使いました。
There are many online tools available for learning languages.
言語学習のためのオンラインツールがたくさんあります。
Usage: informalContext: Commonly used in technology and software discussions.
Note: 'ツール' is a loanword from English and is primarily used in contexts related to technology, software, and digital applications.
道具立て (どうぐだて)
Example:
The workshop has a complete set of tools.
その作業場には完全な道具立てがあります。
He prepared all the tools needed for the project.
彼はプロジェクトに必要な道具立てを整えました。
Usage: formalContext: Used in contexts where a specific arrangement or collection of tools is emphasized.
Note: This term refers more to the arrangement or setup of tools rather than individual tools.
Tool's synonyms
implement
An implement is a tool or instrument used for a specific purpose.
Example: A hammer is a useful implement for driving nails.
Note: Implement is often used in a more formal or technical context compared to 'tool'.
instrument
An instrument is a tool designed to perform a specific task or function.
Example: A surgeon uses various instruments during an operation.
Note: Instrument can refer to tools used in specific fields like music, science, or medicine.
utensil
A utensil is a tool used for practical purposes, especially in a kitchen or household setting.
Example: A spatula is a common kitchen utensil used for flipping food.
Note: Utensil is often associated with tools used for cooking, eating, or serving food.
appliance
An appliance is a device or machine designed to perform a specific household function.
Example: A microwave oven is a convenient kitchen appliance for heating food quickly.
Note: Appliance typically refers to electrical or mechanical devices used in the home.
Tool expressions, common phrases
Tool around
To wander or move aimlessly or casually without a specific goal.
Example: After finishing work, we like to tool around the city and explore new places.
Note: This phrase does not involve using tools in the literal sense, but rather signifies a relaxed and leisurely activity.
A tool for the job
Refers to having the appropriate equipment or resources required for a specific task or purpose.
Example: Having the right software is crucial; you need the correct tool for the job.
Note: In this context, 'tool' is used metaphorically to represent anything needed to accomplish a task effectively.
Tools down
To stop working, especially in a manual labor or construction context.
Example: It's time to put our tools down and take a break; we've been working non-stop for hours.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to ceasing physical work using tools and equipment.
Use someone as a tool
To exploit someone for one's own benefit or advantage.
Example: He's just using her as a tool to get ahead in his career.
Note: In this expression, 'tool' is used metaphorically to indicate a person being manipulated or taken advantage of for selfish reasons.
Tool up
To equip oneself or others with the required tools or resources for a particular task or endeavor.
Example: Before the project starts, we need to tool up and ensure we have all the necessary equipment.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the action of preparing or getting ready with tools rather than the tools themselves.
Tool everyday (slang) expressions
Tool
In slang, 'tool' is often used to describe someone who is foolish, clueless, or socially awkward.
Example: He's such a tool for not helping us.
Note: The original word 'tool' refers to an instrument or device used to carry out a particular function, while in slang, it refers to a person's behavior or character.
Toolbag
'Toolbag' is an extension of 'tool', used to intensify the negative connotation of someone being foolish or obnoxious.
Example: Why is he being such a toolbag today?
Note: Similar to 'tool', 'toolbag' refers to a person's behavior or character, but with a stronger emphasis on negativity.
Toolshed
When someone is described as a 'toolshed', it means they exhibit multiple behaviors or traits that are considered foolish, awkward, or embarrassing.
Example: She's a walking toolshed, always saying the wrong things.
Note: Like 'tool' and 'toolbag', 'toolshed' extends the negative connotation to describe a person's overall demeanor rather than focusing on a single instance.
Toolbox
Calling someone a 'toolbox' implies that they are not only foolish but also have a negative impact on a situation or group.
Example: Don't be a toolbox and mess this up for us.
Note: While 'tool' focuses on the individual's behavior, 'toolbox' adds the element of causing harm or disruption to others.
Toolbelt
Comparing someone to a 'toolbelt' suggests that they are equipped with various behaviors or actions that can be irritating or bothersome to others.
Example: He's got his toolbelt on, ready to annoy everyone with his jokes.
Note: In this context, 'toolbelt' emphasizes the idea of someone being prepared or loaded with behaviors that may annoy or frustrate.
Toolbox short of a full set
This expression extends the concept of being foolish or clueless to suggest that the individual lacks complete understanding or common sense.
Example: That guy is a toolbox short of a full set, if you know what I mean.
Note: While still based on the idea of being a 'tool', this expression emphasizes an even greater degree of incompetence or stupidity.
Toolish
'Toolish' is a less common variation of 'tool', used to describe someone's behavior as foolish, annoying, or lacking in awareness.
Example: Stop acting so toolish all the time!
Note: While similar to 'tool', 'toolish' may be used when a slightly different nuance or emphasis is desired in describing someone's behavior.
Tool - Examples
This tool is very useful for fixing things around the house.
He couldn't find the right tool for the job.
The new software tool makes data analysis much easier.
Tool grammar
Tool - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: tool
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): tools
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): tool
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): tooled
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): tooling
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): tools
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): tool
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): tool
Syllables, Separation and Stress
tool Contains 1 syllables: tool
Phonetic transcription: ˈtül
tool , ˈtül (The red syllable is stressed)
Tool - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
tool: ~ 1700 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
...