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.
彼は殴打の痕があった。
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.
To describe a situation where someone or something is thoroughly defeated in a competition or conflict.
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.
Slang for a terrible loss, 'getting creamed'.
To beat someone decisively, to thrash. Can be physical or metaphorical.
To refer to a regular rhythm, such as a heartbeat or drumming.
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.
チームは大敗を喫した。
The team suffered a beating.
We took a real beating in yesterday's game.
相手を叩きのめした。
We gave them a beating.
I feel the beating of blood vessels.
Dance to the beating of the drums.