Translation guide
Describes the experience of being pushed, bumped, or shoved in a crowd. Japanese expresses this with verbs that focus on the action received or the crowded situation itself.
To describe the physical sensation of being jostled by people in a crowded place.
Passive form of 押す (to push). Literally 'to be pushed'. This is the most direct and common way to say you are being jostled.
電車の中で人に押された。
I was jostled by people on the train.
満員電車で押されて、身動きが取れなかった。
I was jostled on the crowded train and couldn't move.
To describe being shaken or bumped around due to a rough ride or sudden movement.
Passive/intransitive form of 揺る (to shake). Describes being shaken or jolted, such as on a bus or train.
バスに揺られて、本が読めなかった。
I was jostled on the bus and couldn't read my book.
There is no single Japanese word that directly translates 'jostle'. Instead, use passive verbs like 押される or ぶつかられる, or describe the crowded situation with 人混み.
Passive form of ぶつかる (to bump into). Emphasizes being bumped into by others, often accidentally.
人混みで何度もぶつかられた。
I was jostled (bumped into) many times in the crowd.
Idiomatic phrase meaning to be pushed and shoved around roughly, often in a chaotic crowd. Conveys a stronger sense of being jostled.
コンサート会場で揉みくちゃにされた。
I got jostled around at the concert venue.
Noun meaning 'crowd of people'. Often used to describe the situation where jostling occurs, rather than the action itself.
人混みで押されて転びそうになった。
I was jostled in the crowd and almost fell.
Onomatopoeic phrase for a rattling, jolting motion. Often used for rough roads or old vehicles.
道が悪くて、車がガタガタ揺れた。
The road was bad and the car jostled us around.