Translation guide
A harpoon is a spear-like weapon used for hunting large fish or whales. In Japanese, the most common word is 銛 (もり), but there are also specific terms for whaling harpoons and figurative uses.
A spear-like weapon with a barbed head, used for catching large fish or whales.
The general term for a harpoon, used in fishing and whaling contexts.
The fisherman caught the tuna using a harpoon.
Specifically a whaling harpoon, often larger and mechanized.
Loanword from English, used in modern or technical contexts, such as in diving or military equipment.
To attack or criticize sharply, as if with a harpoon.
Literally 'to drive a harpoon into', used figuratively to mean launching a sharp attack or criticism.
While 'harpoon' can be used figuratively in English, directly translating it as 銛を打ち込む is rare and literary. In most cases, use 痛烈に批判する or similar phrases for 'to attack sharply'.
The whaling harpoon is designed to kill whales.
Divers use a harpoon as a type of speargun.
He harpooned his opponent in the debate.
A more common way to express 'to harpoon' figuratively, meaning to criticize severely.
The newspaper harpooned the politician.