Translation guide
The English word 'charging' covers several distinct actions: replenishing a battery, rushing forward aggressively, setting a price, and formally accusing someone. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
I charge my smartphone.
I charge an electric car.
Means 'charging in progress'. Often seen on screens or signs.
The battery is charging.
Loanword from English, commonly used for prepaid cards, e-money, or topping up accounts. Can also be used for batteries in casual contexts.
I top up my Suica card.
To move forward quickly and forcefully, often in an attack or a sudden run.
To rush or charge forward, often used for people or animals in an aggressive manner.
The soldiers charged at the enemy lines.
To plunge or charge into something. Can be physical or metaphorical. More casual than 突進する.
Military term for a charge or assault. Used in historical or combat contexts.
The cavalry charged.
To ask for a specific amount of money as payment for goods or services.
To bill or charge someone for a service or product. Formal and widely used in business.
I charge a fee.
To charge a fee, especially in the context of online services, subscriptions, or microtransactions.
I make an in-app purchase (charge).
Literally 'to take a fee'. A more casual way to say you charge for something.
This service charges a fee.
To officially state that someone has committed a crime.
充電する is the standard verb for charging batteries. チャージする is a loanword often used for prepaid cards or e-money, but can also be used casually for batteries. In formal or technical contexts, stick with 充電する.
Charge a smartphone.
Top up a card.
While チャージする is understood, it is not appropriate for aggressive rushing or legal accusations. Use the specific verbs for those meanings.
彼は群衆の中に突っ込んだ。
He charged into the crowd.