Translation guide
How to express that something is squashed, crushed, or flattened in Japanese, depending on what is squashed and how it happened.
Describing an object that has been squashed by pressure, weight, or impact.
Describing people or things being squashed together in a confined area.
Phrase meaning 'to be packed like sardines' or 'to be squashed together'. Often used for crowded trains or rooms.
通勤電車でぎゅうぎゅう詰めになった。
We were squashed together on the commuter train.
Describing a person, idea, or rebellion being squashed or crushed metaphorically.
Passive form of 鎮圧する (to suppress). Used for rebellions, riots, or uprisings being squashed by authority.
反乱はすぐに鎮圧された。
The rebellion was quickly squashed.
The English word 'squash' can also refer to the vegetable. In Japanese, that is カボチャ (pumpkin/squash). Do not confuse the two meanings.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be crushed', 'to be squashed', or 'to be flattened'. Used for objects losing their shape due to external force.
箱が潰れた。
The box got squashed.
トマトがカバンの中で潰れた。
The tomato got squashed inside the bag.
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to be squashed flat'. Emphasizes the flatness of the result.
空き缶がぺちゃんこになった。
The empty can got squashed flat.
Passive form of 押し潰す (to crush by pressing). Used when something is squashed by a pressing force.
荷物の下でお菓子が押し潰された。
The snacks were squashed under the luggage.
Passive form of 踏み潰す (to crush by stepping on). Specifically for being squashed underfoot.
虫が踏み潰された。
The bug was squashed.
Phrase meaning 'to jostle and push each other', implying being squashed in a crowd.
コンサート会場で押し合いへし合いした。
We were squashed and jostled at the concert venue.
Passive form of 潰す (to crush). Can be used metaphorically for plans, hopes, or opposition being squashed.
彼の提案は上司に潰された。
His proposal was squashed by his boss.
Passive form of もみ消す (to hush up, to crush). Used for scandals or rumors being squashed before they spread.
そのスキャンダルはもみ消された。
The scandal was squashed.