How to say "scoop" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

すくうJLPT N1approx.Common
godan verb, transitive verbThe verb sense: to scoop something up or ladle it out, as when serving food with a spoon or ladle. Use this for the action, not the tool.
スコップCommon
nounThe noun sense: a scoop as a tool — really a shovel or spade for digging or moving soil. It names the implement, not the action of scooping.
「これは・・・」「軍手ぐんてとスコップ。園芸えんげい部ぶ基本きほん道具どうぐのひとつだよ」↗
"This is ..." "Working glove and trowel. One of a gardening club's basic tools."

Use the verb 「すくう」 for the action of scooping or ladling something up, and the noun 「スコップ」 when 'scoop' means the tool itself, a shovel-like implement for digging.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

すくうto scoop
スコップshovel
ディッシャーscoop (icecream, mashed potato, etc.)
ひとすくいscoop (e.g. of icecream)
抜きネタぬきネタscoop
柄杓ひしゃくladle
特ダネとくダネexclusive news
刳りくりhollow
玉杓子たまじゃくしladle
スクープ(news) scoop
しゃくるto scoop
バケットbucket (on an excavator, crane, Pelton wheel, etc.)
抜くぬくto scoop (a story)

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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