Translation guide
The English phrasal verb 'beat out' has several distinct meanings: to defeat a competitor, to extinguish a fire by beating, to produce a rhythm, and to shape metal by hammering. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each.
To win against someone in a competition, race, or contest, often by a narrow margin.
A direct verb meaning 'to defeat' or 'to beat'. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
彼は決勝でライバルを打ち負かした。
He beat out his rival in the finals.
The most common verb for 'to win'. Often used with a competitive context. To specify 'beat out', add an object with に.
彼女は接戦で相手に勝った。
She beat out her opponent in a close match.
Specifically means 'to win by a narrow margin' or 'to edge out'. Common in sports and auctions.
彼は最後の直線で競り勝った。
He beat out the others in the final straight.
Means 'to defeat' or 'to beat', often used in sports or games. Can also mean 'to break' or 'to tear'.
我々は強豪チームを破った。
We beat out the strong team.
To put out a fire or flames by hitting them with something, like a blanket or a branch.
Literally 'to extinguish by hitting'. The most natural way to describe beating out a fire.
彼は燃えている枝を叩いて消した。
He beat out the burning branch.
Can mean 'to extinguish' or 'to put out', but more commonly used figuratively as 'to deny' or 'to negate'. For literal fire, 叩いて消す is clearer.
Often used figuratively. For literal fire, 叩いて消す is preferred.
火を打ち消すために毛布を使った。
He used a blanket to beat out the fire.
To make a regular rhythmic sound, like a drumbeat or tapping.
Means 'to beat out a rhythm'. Commonly used for drumming or tapping.
彼は机を叩いてリズムを刻んだ。
He beat out a rhythm on the desk.
Means 'to keep time' or 'to beat time', often used in music.
指揮者が拍子を取った。
The conductor beat out the time.
To form metal into a shape or thin sheet by repeated hammering.
Specifically means 'to beat out' or 'to hammer out' metal into a sheet.
職人が金を打ち延ばして箔を作った。
The craftsman beat out the gold into foil.
Means 'to forge' or 'to temper' metal. Can also mean 'to train' or 'to discipline'.
刀を鍛える。
To beat out a sword.