Translation guide
The English word 'hitting' covers a wide range of physical actions, from striking with the hand or an object to colliding with something. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the type of hitting, the body part or tool used, and the context.
Expressing the action of hitting someone or something with an open hand or closed fist, often in a fight or as a physical gesture.
The most common verb for punching or hitting with a fist. It implies a deliberate, often violent action.
彼は顔を殴られた。
He was hit in the face.
人を殴ってはいけない。
You must not hit people.
A general verb for hitting, slapping, or striking with the hand or a flat object. It can range from a light tap to a hard smack. Often used for hitting surfaces or objects as well.
A colloquial and somewhat rough verb for hitting or striking. Often used in casual speech.
あいつをぶってやった。
I hit that guy.
Describing the action of striking something using an instrument like a bat, hammer, or stick.
The most common verb for hitting with a tool or instrument, such as a bat, racket, or hammer. Also used in sports like baseball.
ボールをバットで打つ。
To hit a ball with a bat.
釘を金槌で打つ。
To hit a nail with a hammer.
Also used for hitting with flat objects or tools, like a flyswatter or a stick. Overlaps with hand-hitting but emphasizes the striking surface.
Expressing accidental impact, such as hitting one's head on a low ceiling or two objects colliding.
Intransitive verb meaning to collide with, bump into, or hit against something. Often used for accidental impacts.
頭が天井にぶつかった。
I hit my head on the ceiling.
車が壁にぶつかった。
The car hit the wall.
Intransitive verb meaning to hit, strike, or come into contact with. Often used for projectiles or thrown objects hitting a target.
Transitive verb meaning to hit or bump something against something else. Often used when you accidentally hit a part of your body.
Describing the action of successfully striking a target with a projectile, such as in archery, shooting, or throwing games.
Transitive verb meaning to hit a target. Implies aiming and successfully making contact.
矢を的に当てる。
To hit the target with an arrow.
彼は射撃で的を当てた。
He hit the target in shooting.
A more formal or technical verb meaning to hit the mark or score a direct hit. Often used in military or sports contexts.
ミサイルが目標に命中した。
The missile hit the target.
Specifically referring to batting in baseball, cricket, or similar sports.
The standard verb for batting in baseball. Also used for hitting in tennis, golf, etc.
彼はホームランを打った。
He hit a home run.
Specifically means to get a hit in baseball. 'ヒット' is a loanword from English.
彼はヒットを打った。
He got a hit.
Pressing or striking a key on a keyboard, a button on a device, or a similar interface.
The standard verb for pressing or pushing a button or key. Not 'hitting' in a violent sense, but the natural Japanese equivalent.
エンターキーを押してください。
Please hit the Enter key.
Can be used for hitting keys forcefully or repeatedly, like typing energetically.
These three verbs all mean 'to hit,' but they are used in different contexts. 打つ (utsu) is for hitting with a tool or in sports. 叩く (tataku) is for hitting with a flat hand or object, often with a slapping motion. 殴る (naguru) is specifically for punching with a fist, usually in a violent context.
In English, we say 'hit the button,' but in Japanese, the natural verb is 押す (osu, 'press'). Using 打つ or 叩く for a single key press can sound odd or overly aggressive.
To hit a fly with a flyswatter.
The ball hit the window.
ひじをドアにぶつけた。
I hit my elbow on the door.
He hit the keyboard hard.