Translation guide
The English verb 'daub' means to apply a substance (like paint, mud, or plaster) in a rough, careless, or thick way. This guide covers how to express this concept naturally in Japanese, focusing on the manner of application rather than just the act of applying.
To put paint, plaster, or a similar substance onto a surface in a rough, thick, or untidy way.
daub paint on a wall · daub glue on paper · daub cream on one's face
This verb specifically means to daub or slap on paint, cream, etc., thickly and carelessly. It combines 塗る (to paint/apply) with たくる (an auxiliary verb indicating doing something roughly or excessively).
He daubed paint on the wall.
The child is daubing paint onto the drawing paper.
This phrase uses the adverb べったり (thickly, heavily, stickily) with 塗る (to paint/apply). It describes applying something in a thick, heavy layer, often with a sense of it being messy or excessive.
She daubed butter thickly on the bread.
This verb means to daub, smear, or plaster something onto a surface. It implies pressing or rubbing the substance onto the surface, often with a connotation of doing it forcefully or carelessly.
He daubed mud on his face.
Literally 'thick painting', this is often used in art contexts to describe applying paint thickly (impasto). It can also be used for makeup (thick foundation). It doesn't necessarily imply carelessness, but rather a heavy application.
The artist daubed paint thickly onto the canvas.
To spread something like mud, grease, or ointment onto a surface in a messy or uneven way.
daub mud on one's clothes · daub grease on a machine part · daub ointment on a rash
This verb means to rub or smear something onto a surface. It implies a messy application, often by rubbing or wiping.
He daubed the mud from his hands onto his pants.
Similar to こすりつける, this means to smear or daub something onto a surface, often with the nuance of transferring something dirty or unwanted.
This means to spread something by painting or smearing it over an area. It can be used for substances like ointment or paste, but it's less common and more descriptive.
To put on makeup in a thick, heavy, or unskilled manner.
daub on lipstick · daub foundation on one's face · daub makeup on thickly
This phrase means to wear heavy makeup. It directly conveys the idea of applying makeup thickly, often with a negative connotation of looking unnatural or overdone.
She always daubs on her makeup.
Using the adverb べったり (thickly, heavily) with 化粧する (to put on makeup), this phrase emphasizes the heavy, sticky application, similar to 'daubing' on foundation or powder.
She daubed on foundation thickly.
This verb means 'to apply too much'. While not specific to daubing, it can be used in the context of makeup to indicate excessive application, which often results in a daubed look.
You daubed on too much lipstick; it looks weird.
Simply using 塗る (to paint/apply) does not convey the careless or thick manner of 'daub'. To capture the nuance, you need to add an adverb like べったり or use a compound verb like 塗りたくる.
Both mean to daub or smear, but 塗りたくる emphasizes a rough, excessive, and often careless action over a surface, while 塗りつける focuses more on pressing or rubbing a substance onto a specific spot, often with force.
The child daubed chocolate on his clothes.
He daubed ointment over the wound.