Translation guide
The English word 'choking' can refer to a medical emergency where the airway is blocked, or to failing under pressure in sports or performance. This guide covers both meanings with natural Japanese expressions.
To describe someone choking on food or an object, or to say that you are choking.
General term for suffocation or choking due to airway obstruction. Used in medical contexts.
To describe someone who fails to perform well in a high-pressure situation, such as in sports or an exam.
Literally 'to lose to pressure'. Commonly used for choking in sports or performance.
He choked on food and suffocated.
Literally 'to get stuck in the throat'. Commonly used for choking on food or objects.
The child choked on a toy.
To choke or cough when food or drink goes down the wrong pipe. Less severe than full obstruction.
I choked on water.
Literally 'breath gets blocked'. Can describe choking or a feeling of suffocation.
I choked on the smoke.
He choked in the big game.
To get nervous or tense up, leading to poor performance. Often used in performance contexts.
I choked during the speech.
To fail due to nervousness. A more explicit way to describe choking under pressure.
I choked on the exam because I was nervous.