1.
rough-hewn, roughly carved, coarsely shaved
The literal sense of something that has been carved or planed only roughly, without fine finishing. Used for wood, stone, or other materials.
荒削りの木材を仕上げる。
To finish roughly-hewn lumber.
荒削りの丸太でベンチを作った。
I made a bench from roughly hewn logs.
荒削りの木の質感を活かした素朴なテーブルが人気を集めている。
A simple table that makes use of the texture of rough-hewn wood is gaining popularity.
2.
unpolished, rough but promising, raw talent
Used figuratively to describe a person, work, or performance that lacks refinement but shows raw power or potential. Often a compliment implying that the roughness is part of the appeal or that the person has room to grow.
まだ荒削りだが才能がある。
He's still unpolished, but he has talent.
彼の演技は荒削りだが、観客を引きつける力がある。
His acting is rough around the edges, but he has the power to captivate the audience.
デビュー作は荒削りながらも独自の世界観が光っており、将来が楽しみな作家だ。
Although the debut work is unpolished, the author's unique worldview shines through, making them a writer to watch.
USAGE:
In the figurative sense, 荒削り is often used as a backhanded compliment, acknowledging that something or someone lacks refinement while praising the raw potential underneath. Particularly common in sports, arts, and entertainment commentary.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 荒削りな才能: raw/unpolished talent
- 荒削りな演技: rough but powerful performance
- 荒削りだが魅力がある: unpolished but attractive
- 荒削りながらも: although rough/unpolished