Translation guide
The English word "beating" can refer to physical violence, a decisive defeat, or a rhythmic pulsation. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To express the act of hitting someone repeatedly, often as punishment or attack.
To describe a situation where someone or something is thoroughly defeated in a competition or conflict.
To refer to a regular rhythm, such as a heartbeat or drumming.
Heartbeat, pulsation. Often used for the sound or sensation of a beating heart.
When referring to a defeat, do not directly translate 'beating' as 殴打 or 暴行. Use terms like 完敗 or 大敗 instead.
He had marks from a beating.
Assault or physical violence. Often used in legal contexts or news reports.
暴行を受けて怪我をした。
I was injured in a beating.
Passive form of 殴る (to punch/hit). Commonly used to say 'get beaten up'.
彼は通りで殴られた。
He got beaten up on the street.
Passive of ぶつ (to hit). Casual, often implies a slap or punch.
子供の頃、よくぶたれた。
I used to get beatings as a child.
Disciplinary beating or corporal punishment, often of children. Somewhat dated.
折檻は今では禁止されている。
Beatings as punishment are now prohibited.
Complete defeat. Used in sports, games, or arguments.
我々は完敗だった。
We took a beating.
Heavy defeat, crushing loss. Often used in sports or elections.
チームは大敗を喫した。
The team suffered a beating.
Slang for a terrible loss, 'getting creamed'.
昨日の試合はボロ負けだった。
We took a real beating in yesterday's game.
To beat someone decisively, to thrash. Can be physical or metaphorical.
相手を叩きのめした。
We gave them a beating.
心臓の鼓動が速くなった。
The beating of my heart quickened.
Pulsation, beat (medical or technical).
血管の拍動を感じる。
I feel the beating of blood vessels.
Musical beat. Loanword from English.
ドラムのビートに合わせて踊る。
Dance to the beating of the drums.