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.
Formal or written term for beating or striking someone. Used in news or legal contexts.
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.
I was injured in a beating.
Passive form of 殴る (to punch/hit). Commonly used to say 'get beaten up'.
He got beaten up on the street.
Passive of ぶつ (to hit). Casual, often implies a slap or punch.
I used to get beatings as a child.
Disciplinary beating or corporal punishment, often of children. Somewhat dated.
Beatings as punishment are now prohibited.
Complete defeat. Used in sports, games, or arguments.
We took a beating.
Heavy defeat, crushing loss. Often used in sports or elections.
The team suffered a beating.
Slang for a terrible loss, 'getting creamed'.
We took a real beating in yesterday's game.
To beat someone decisively, to thrash. Can be physical or metaphorical.
We gave them a beating.
The beating of my heart quickened.
Pulsation, beat (medical or technical).
I feel the beating of blood vessels.
Musical beat. Loanword from English.
Dance to the beating of the drums.