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.
漁師は銛を使ってマグロを捕まえた。
The fisherman caught the tuna using a harpoon.
Specifically a whaling harpoon, often larger and mechanized.
捕鯨銛はクジラを仕留めるために設計されている。
The whaling harpoon is designed to kill whales.
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.
彼は議論で相手に銛を打ち込んだ。
He harpooned his opponent in the debate.
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'.
ダイバーは水中銃の一種としてハープーンを使う。
Divers use a harpoon as a type of speargun.
A more common way to express 'to harpoon' figuratively, meaning to criticize severely.
新聞はその政治家を痛烈に批判した。
The newspaper harpooned the politician.