Tool in different languages

Tool in Different Languages

Discover 'Tool' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.

Updated on March 6, 2024

A tool is an essential item, a man-made object or piece of equipment that helps us to do a job or activity more efficiently and effectively. From the first stone tools used by early humans to the sophisticated technology we have today, tools have been crucial in shaping our world and culture. They have helped us to hunt, farm, build, and create, enabling us to survive and thrive in a variety of environments.

The significance of tools extends beyond their practical uses. They have also been used as symbols of power, knowledge, and innovation. For example, in ancient Egypt, tools were often depicted in hieroglyphs as symbols of craftsmanship and skill. In modern times, tools have become synonymous with progress and development, representing humanity's ability to solve problems and create new possibilities.

Understanding the translation of the word 'tool' in different languages can provide insight into how different cultures view and use tools. Here are some sample translations:

  • French: outil
  • Spanish: herramienta
  • German: Werkzeug
  • Mandarin: 工具 (gōngjù)
  • Japanese: 道具 (dōgu)

By learning these translations, we can not only expand our vocabulary but also appreciate the cultural significance of tools in different societies.

Tool


Tool in Sub-Saharan African Languages

Afrikaansgereedskap
The Afrikaans term "gereedskap" comes from the Middle Dutch "ghereedscap" (prepared state, readiness), but later came to mean "collection of tools".
Amharicመሣሪያ
In Amharic, 'መሣሪያ' can refer not only to physical instruments but also to abstract concepts like 'means' or 'method'.
Hausakayan aiki
Hausa word 'kayan aiki' derives from the Arabic word 'kayy' meaning 'hand' and 'aiki' meaning 'work'
Igbongwá ọrụ
The word "ngwá ọrụ" (tool) in Igbo is also used to describe a person's ability or skill.
Malagasyfitaovana
The word "Fitaovana" in Malagasy can also refer to an instrument or a device used for a specific purpose.
Nyanja (Chichewa)chida
In certain Nyanja dialects, 'chida' can also refer to a type of tree or a specific tool used in agriculture.
Shonamudziyo
In addition to meaning 'tool' in Shona, 'mudziyo' also refers to a person who is used or exploited by others.
Somaliqalab
The word "qalab" can also refer to a weapon or utensil.
Sesothosesebelisoa
The word "sesebelisoa" can also refer to a device or instrument used for a particular purpose.
Swahilichombo
The word 'chombo' in Swahili is derived from the Proto-Bantu word '*tsomba', meaning 'hoe'. It also refers to a 'container' or 'vessel'.
Xhosaisixhobo
Isixhobo, meaning "tool" in Xhosa, also refers to a musical instrument or a weapon.
Yorubairinṣẹ
The word "irinṣẹ" in Yoruba derives from the roots "irin" (metal) and "ṣẹ" (to make), signifying the material and purpose of tools.
Zuluithuluzi
The word 'ithuluzi' in Zulu, in addition to meaning 'tool', also carries the metaphorical meaning of 'a means or way to achieve something'
Bambaraminɛn
Ewedɔwɔnu
Kinyarwandaigikoresho
Lingalaesaleli
Lugandaekikozesebwa
Sepedithulusi
Twi (Akan)akadeɛ

Tool in North African & Middle Eastern Languages

Arabicأداة
The word "أداة" in Arabic can also mean "instrument", "means", or "vehicle".
Hebrewכְּלִי
The word 'כלי' ('tool') can also mean 'vessel' or 'container' in Hebrew.
Pashtoتوکی
The word "توکی" in Pashto is also related to the word "توک", which refers to the act of weaving and can be used as a noun for a woven item.
Arabicأداة
The word "أداة" in Arabic can also mean "instrument", "means", or "vehicle".

Tool in Western European Languages

Albanianmjet
The Albanian word "mjet" is etymologically related to the Latin word "mitis" (gentle) and can also refer to a weapon.
Basquetresna
The Old Basque word "tresna" also designated something of value; in Old Norse, "tres" could mean 'treasure'.
Catalaneina
The term "eina" in Catalan originates from the Latin term "aedes", meaning "house" or "building".
Croatianalat
In Croatian, the word 'alat' also means a 'musical instrument' or a 'device'.
Danishværktøj
The word "værktøj" is derived from the Old Norse words "verk" (work) and "tøj" (a tool or instrument), and it encompasses not only physical tools but also abstract concepts and methods of working.
Dutchgereedschap
The word "gereedschap" derives from the Middle Dutch "gheredescap", meaning "equipment used by knights."
Englishtool
The word 'tool' can also refer to a person who is easily manipulated or controlled.
Frenchoutil
The French word "outil" is derived from the Latin word "ūtensīlis", meaning "useful".
Frisianhelpmiddel
The word "helpmiddel" in Frisian is derived from the Old Frisian words "help" and "middel", meaning "assistance" and "means".
Galicianferramenta
"Ferramenta" also means "hardware" in Galician, but refers to the tools used for a specific trade.
Germanwerkzeug
The word "Werkzeug" is derived from the Middle High German "wercziuc," meaning "something used for work," and is related to the Old English "weorc," meaning "work".
Icelandicverkfæri
The Icelandic word "verkfæri" originated from the words "verk" (deed, work) and "færi" (skill, capability), implying both the physical tool and the skill required to use it effectively.
Irishuirlis
In a secondary sense "uirlis" can also refer to an object that serves as a tool, not just in a practical sense (such as a hammer) but more often a personal attribute (such as bravery).
Italianattrezzo
The word 'attrezzo' also derives from the Latin 'aptare', which means 'to adjust' or 'to prepare'
Luxembourgishoutil
The word "Outil" in Luxembourgish shares its origin with the French word "outil" and the English word "tool", all of which derived from the Latin word "utensilium."
Maltesegħodda
"Għodda" can also refer to a person's skills or abilities.
Norwegianverktøy
Like the English word 'gear', the word 'verktøy' means tools as well as that which makes a machine turn (wheels, gears, etc.)
Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil)ferramenta
The Portuguese word "ferramenta" is derived from the Latin word "ferramentum", meaning "piece of iron".
Scots Gaelicinneal
The word 'inneal' derives from the Old Irish word 'indlea', meaning 'instrument' or 'appliance'.
Spanishherramienta
The word "herramienta" comes from the Latin word "ferramentum" which means "an iron tool or instrument".
Swedishverktyg
Old Norse 'verk' translates to 'work' and 'tyg' means 'stuff,' thus 'verktyg' means 'work stuff'
Welshofferyn
The word 'offeryn' comes from the Latin word 'offerendum', meaning 'something offered' or 'a sacrifice'. In Welsh, it has come to mean 'tool' more generally, likely due to the common practice of offering tools to the gods or spirits in ancient times.

Tool in Eastern European Languages

Belarusianінструмент
The word "інструмент" in Belarusian derives from the Polish cognate "instrument" and can also mean "musical instrument".
Bosnianalat
"Alat" has other meanings, such as "instrument" and "machine".
Bulgarianинструмент
The Bulgarian word "инструмент" also denotes "musical instrument", similar to the English word "instrument".
Czechnástroj
In Czech, the word "nástroj" also means 'musical instrument'.
Estoniantööriist
In Estonian, the word "tööriist" literally means "work iron" and is cognate with the German word "Werkzeug," which has the same meaning.
Finnishtyökalu
The word työkalu is derived from the Proto-Finnic word *työtekalu, meaning "something used for work."
Hungarianeszköz
The word "eszköz" can also mean "resource" or "means" in Hungarian.
Latvianrīks
The word "rīks" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *reg- "to stretch, pull, guide," which is also the source of the English word "reach".
Lithuanianįrankis
The word "įrankis" in Lithuanian is also used to refer to a mechanism or device.
Macedonianалатка
The word "алатка" also means "a device, gadget, or utensil" in Macedonian.
Polishnarzędzie
"Narzędzie" (Polish for "tool") is related to the Czech "nářadí" and the Slovak "náradie", all ultimately deriving from the Proto-Slavic *orǫdije, meaning "tool" or "weapon".
Romanianinstrument
In Romanian, "instrument" can also mean a musical instrument, a device for measuring or recording something, or a legal document.
Russianинструмент
The word "инструмент" is also used figuratively to refer to a means or method to achieve a goal in Russian.
Serbianоруђе
Оруђе means "weapon" in Russian and "equipment" in Czech and Slovak.
Slovaknástroj
In Slovak, "nástroj" can mean both "tool" and "instrument", with the latter used to describe musical instruments.
Slovenianorodje
The Slovenian word for 'tool', 'orodje', stems from the Proto-Slavic noun *orъdie, a derivative of the verb *oriti ('to plough').
Ukrainianінструмент
The Ukrainian word "інструмент" is derived from the Latin word "instrumentum", which means "means, equipment, or tool".

Tool in South Asian Languages

Bengaliটুল
The Bengali word "টুল" (tool) is derived from the Sanskrit word "टूल" (tūla), meaning "balance" or "weighing scale". It also refers to a device used to lift or move heavy objects.
Gujaratiસાધન
In Gujarati, the word "સાધન" also refers to a means or method for achieving something.
Hindiसाधन
In Sanskrit, साधन (sādhana) also signifies a spiritual practice, discipline, or method for achieving a particular goal.
Kannadaಸಾಧನ
The word "ಸಾಧನ" is also used in the sense of "resource" or "means" in Kannada.
Malayalamഉപകരണം
The word "ഉപകരണം" originally meant "something that is held in the hand" and could refer to a weapon or instrument.
Marathiसाधन
In the Marathi language, साधन ("sadhan") is used as a tool in both its physical and spiritual connotation, often referring to the process or means to achieve an objective or attain spiritual enlightenment.
Nepaliउपकरण
The Sanskrit word “upkarana”, from which “upkaran” derives, also means “part of the body.”
Punjabiਸੰਦ ਹੈ
The Punjabi word "ਸੰਦ ਹੈ" comes from the same root as the English word "send", and can also refer to "sending" or "dispatching" in addition to "tool."
Sinhala (Sinhalese)මෙවලම
The Sinhala word "මෙවලම" also means "means" or "way", highlighting its significance not only as a physical object but also as a metaphor for achieving something.
Tamilகருவி
The Tamil word "கருவி" originally referred to plant or animal organs used as tools, such as teeth or claws.
Teluguసాధనం
The word "సాధనం" in Telugu can also refer to a means, method, or instrument.
Urduآلے
Alternate meanings of "آلے" include "instrument", "organ", "contrivance", "implement", "gadget", and "apparatus".

Tool in East Asian Languages

Chinese (Simplified)工具
"工具" (tool) can also mean "means" or "implement" in Chinese.
Chinese (Traditional)工具
工具 can also refer to 'implements', 'instruments' or 'utensils'.
Japaneseツール
The word "ツール" (tsūru) is derived from the Portuguese word "torno" (lathe), and also means "crane" or "winch".
Korean수단
The word "수단" also means "means" or "way".
Mongolianхэрэгсэл
In Mongolian, "хэрэгсэл" also refers to objects that help complete a task, such as kitchenware, furniture, and clothing.
Myanmar (Burmese)tool ကို
The word "tool ကို" can also refer to a weapon or instrument.

Tool in South East Asian Languages

Indonesianalat
The word "alat" can also refer to a musical instrument, especially a gong.
Javanesealat
The Javanese word "alat" not only means "tool" but also can refer to "means" or "way" to achieve something.
Khmerឧបករណ៍
The Khmer word "ឧបករណ៍" (tool) is derived from Sanskrit and has the alternate meaning of "instrument."
Laoເຄື່ອງມື
Malayalat
The word "alat" can also refer to a musical instrument or a charm used in traditional Malay rituals
Thaiเครื่องมือ
The term "เครื่องมือ" can also refer to "instruments" or "devices".
Vietnamesedụng cụ
The word "dụng cụ" can also mean "utensil" or "instrument."
Filipino (Tagalog)kasangkapan

Tool in Central Asian Languages

Azerbaijanialət
The word 'alət' is also occasionally used in a metaphorical sense such as a 'right-hand man' or an 'assistant'.
Kazakhқұрал
The word "құрал" can also mean "weapon" or "equipment" in Kazakh.
Kyrgyzкурал
The word “курал” has an additional meaning in the Kyrgyz language, which is a “stick” used for the purpose of “punishment” of children.
Tajikасбоб
In Persian, the word "асбоб" also means "means" or "way".
Turkmengural
Uzbekvosita
Originally a Persian word, "vosita" can also mean "facility" or "resource" in Uzbek.
Uyghurقورال

Tool in Pacific Languages

Hawaiianmea hana
"Mea hana" literally means "thing for work".
Maoritaputapu
The Maori word "taputapu" also refers to sacred objects used in religious ceremonies.
Samoanmea faigaluega
The word mea faigaluega, meaning tool, is constructed from the words mea (thing) and faigaluega (work).
Tagalog (Filipino)kasangkapan
The word "kasangkapan" comes from the root word "sangkapan,

Tool in American Indigenous Languages

Aymarairaminta
Guaranitembiporu

Tool in International Languages

Esperantoilo
The word "ilo" in Esperanto can also refer to a "means" or "instrumentality".
Latintool
The Latin word 'tool', can also refer to a weapon, a device or an instrument.

Tool in Others Languages

Greekεργαλείο
The word "εργαλείο" in Greek also means "organ" or "instrument" and comes from the ancient Greek word "ἔργον" (ergon), meaning "work".
Hmongtwj
The Proto-Hmong–Mien word *tɔːj means "hoe, digging instrument" and likely has a Proto-Austroasiatic origin.
Kurdishhacet
The word "hacet" also means "need" or "desire" in Kurdish.
Turkisharaç
Araç is also a synonym for 'vehicle' and originates from the Ottoman Turkish word 'a'rac' derived from the Arabic word 'araba' (chariot).
Xhosaisixhobo
Isixhobo, meaning "tool" in Xhosa, also refers to a musical instrument or a weapon.
Yiddishגעצייַג
The word "געצייַג" in Yiddish can also refer to a set of tools or equipment used for a specific purpose.
Zuluithuluzi
The word 'ithuluzi' in Zulu, in addition to meaning 'tool', also carries the metaphorical meaning of 'a means or way to achieve something'
Assameseসঁজুলি
Aymarairaminta
Bhojpuriसाधन
Dhivehiޓޫލް
Dogriसंदर
Filipino (Tagalog)kasangkapan
Guaranitembiporu
Ilocanoalikamen
Kriotul
Kurdish (Sorani)ئامراز
Maithiliऔजार
Meiteilon (Manipuri)ꯈꯨꯠꯂꯥꯏ
Mizohmanrua
Oromomeeshaa
Odia (Oriya)ସାଧନ
Quechuallamkana
Sanskritउपकरण
Tatarкорал
Tigrinyaመሳርሒ
Tsongaxitirho

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