Translation guide
The English word "smack" has several distinct meanings: a sharp slap, a sound, a taste/flavor, slang for heroin, and a type of fishing boat. This guide covers the most common uses for learners.
To express hitting someone or something with an open hand, often with a sharp sound.
A slap with an open palm. Neutral and commonly used.
彼は彼女に平手打ちをした。
He gave her a smack.
A slap, often to the face. Slightly colloquial and can imply a sharp, stinging hit.
嘘をついたらビンタするよ。
I'll smack you if you lie.
General verb for hitting or striking. Can be used for a smack, but is broader (e.g., tapping, beating).
彼は机を叩いた。
He smacked the desk.
To describe the sound of a smack, such as lips smacking or something hitting a surface.
Onomatopoeia for a sharp, light smacking or snapping sound.
彼は唇をパチンと鳴らした。
He smacked his lips.
Onomatopoeia for a slapping or smacking sound, often with a wet or sharp quality.
To describe a hint or touch of a flavor, as in "a smack of garlic."
Means "has a flavor of ~." Use with a noun to indicate a smack of something.
このスープはニンニクの風味がある。
This soup has a smack of garlic.
Means "tastes like ~." More direct than 風味, but can be used for a smack of flavor.
このケーキはレモンの味がする。
This cake has a smack of lemon.
To refer to the drug heroin in informal contexts.
The standard Japanese word for heroin. Not slang, but understood.
彼はヘロイン中毒だ。
He's addicted to smack.
Slang for narcotics, including heroin. Less common and may be understood from context.
あいつはジャンクをやってる。
That guy does smack.
To refer to a type of small sailing vessel used for fishing.
A loanword from English, used specifically for this type of boat. Rarely encountered.
港に古いスマックが停泊していた。
An old smack was moored in the harbor.
English uses 'smack' as a verb in many idiomatic ways (e.g., 'smack of hypocrisy'). Japanese rarely uses a single equivalent verb. Instead, use specific verbs like 叩く (for hitting) or phrases like 〜の気味がある (for 'smacks of').
The waves smacked against the shore.