Translation guide
The English word 'flick' can refer to a quick light hit, a sudden movement, or a quick look. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express these actions.
To hit something lightly and quickly, often with a finger or fingernail.
The most common verb for flicking something with a finger, like flicking a marble or a bug off a table.
He flicked the marble with his finger.
I flicked the dust off the desk.
Often used for a light slapping or flicking motion, like swatting a fly or dusting off something.
I flicked the fly away with my hand.
Explicitly says 'flick with a finger', useful when the tool is important.
I flicked off the dust with my finger.
To move something quickly and sharply, like flicking a switch or a whip.
A general phrase meaning 'to move quickly/sharply', often used for flicking a switch or a hand.
He flicked the switch.
Means 'to wave/shake', used for flicking a whip or a towel.
Emphasizes a sudden, sharp movement, like flicking a card or a piece of paper.
He flicked the card to show it.
To look at something quickly, often by moving the eyes or head sharply.
The most common way to say 'take a quick look/glance', often used for a brief, casual look.
He flicked a glance at his watch.
A casual/slang term for a quick, often sneaky glance.
Literally 'run one's eyes', used for scanning or flicking through a document quickly.
To turn pages quickly, often to get a rough idea of the content.
弾く (はじく) is specifically a flicking motion with a finger, often using the nail. はたく is a broader light slapping or brushing motion, like swatting a fly or dusting off clothes. Use 弾く for a precise flick, and はたく for a more open-handed light hit.
The loanword フリック (furikku) is used in tech contexts (e.g., flick input on a smartphone) and is not natural for physical flicking actions. Use native Japanese verbs instead.
He flicked the whip.
She flicked a look at her neighbor's test paper.
He flicked through the document.