Translation guide
A strike delivered using the elbow, common in martial arts and self-defense. Japanese has specific terms depending on the direction and style.
A strike with the elbow in combat sports or self-defense
General term for an elbow strike, used in karate, kickboxing, and other martial arts.
彼は強烈な肘打ちを放った。
He threw a powerful elbow strike.
Named elbow strikes based on the direction of the strike
Horizontal elbow strike, common in Muay Thai and kickboxing.
横肘打ちは相手のこめかみを狙う。
The horizontal elbow strike targets the opponent's temple.
The elbow strike as a technique in Muay Thai, often called 'sok' in Thai
Loanword from French 'savate', but sometimes used in Japanese martial arts to refer to certain elbow strikes. Not standard; use with caution.
This term is not a direct translation and may cause confusion. Prefer 肘打ち.
In Japanese martial arts like karate or aikido, 肘打ち (hijiuchi) is standard. In Muay Thai contexts, you may hear エルボー (erubō) from English, but 肘打ち is still understood.
Literally 'elbow hit', also used for elbow strikes, sometimes in a more traditional context.
空手では肘当てが有効な技だ。
In karate, the elbow strike is an effective technique.
Upward elbow strike, often used to attack the chin or face.
上段肘打ちで相手の顎を打ち抜いた。
He landed an upward elbow strike on the opponent's chin.
Downward elbow strike, typically aimed at the top of the head or collarbone.
下段肘打ちは頭頂部に落とす。
The downward elbow strike is dropped onto the top of the head.
Backward elbow strike, used when the opponent is behind.
後ろ肘打ちで背後からの攻撃に対処した。
He dealt with the attack from behind with a backward elbow strike.
Savate is originally a kicking technique from French martial arts, but it can sometimes refer to an elbow strike.