Translation guide
The English word "hit" covers a wide range of meanings, from physical striking to achieving success. This guide organizes the most common uses for learners, with natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To physically strike someone or something with force, such as with a hand or object.
General verb for punching or hitting someone with a fist. Transitive verb.
He hit me in the face.
To hit, slap, or strike with an open hand or object. Can be used for hitting things or people.
He hit the desk.
To hit or strike, often used in sports (e.g., hitting a ball) or more formal contexts.
He hit the ball.
To come into forceful contact with something, often accidentally.
Intransitive verb meaning to collide with or bump into. Use with に.
The car hit the wall.
Intransitive verb meaning to hit or strike against something. Often used for projectiles.
Formal term for collision, used for vehicles or abstract clashes.
The truck hit the bus.
To press a key on a keyboard, a button, or a switch.
To achieve a goal, reach a level, or become popular (e.g., a hit song).
Loanword from English, used for songs, movies, products becoming a hit.
That song became a big hit.
Means to be successful or hit the mark, used for predictions, lotteries, or success.
General verb for succeeding, can be used when 'hit' means achieve success.
He hit it big in business.
Formal verb for reaching a number or level.
To have a sudden negative effect, such as a disaster or realization.
To attack or strike, used for disasters, illness, or sudden events.
The earthquake hit the region.
To visit or afflict, often used for natural disasters or misfortune.
To deal a blow, often used figuratively for economic or emotional impact.
The news hit the economy hard.
When a thought or realization suddenly comes to mind.
English 'hit' is highly polysemous. Direct translation with 打つ or 殴る often sounds unnatural. Always consider the specific meaning first.
殴る is specifically punching with a fist. 叩く is slapping or hitting with an open hand or object. 打つ is more formal or used in sports/abstract hitting. Choose based on the action.
The ball hit the window.
He hit the keyboard hard.
His prediction hit the mark.
気温が40度に達した。
The temperature hit 40 degrees.
台風が町を見舞った。
The typhoon hit the town.
A good idea hit me.