Translation guide
The English word 'jab' can refer to a quick punch, a medical injection, or a sharp verbal remark. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning, from casual to formal.
a quick punch
an injection
a verbal jab
Express a short, straight punch, especially in boxing or a quick strike.
Loanword from English, widely used in boxing and martial arts contexts. Neutral and common.
He threw a quick jab.
Specifically a left straight punch, often equivalent to a jab in boxing. More technical.
He keeps his opponent in check with a jab.
General term for a thrust or punch, used in karate and traditional martial arts. Not specific to boxing jabs.
Karate jabs are fast.
Refer to an injection given with a syringe, such as a vaccine or medicine.
Standard word for injection. Can be used as a noun or with する (to inject).
I got a flu jab.
The doctor gave me a jab in the arm.
Loanword for vaccine. Often used in the context of COVID-19 or flu shots. Can be combined with 接種 (せっしゅ).
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to give/receive an injection'. 打つ (うつ) is commonly used with injections.
Express a quick, pointed verbal attack or criticism.
Literally 'sharp criticism'. Natural way to describe a verbal jab.
He took a jab at the opposition during the press conference.
To make a sarcastic or ironic remark, often a subtle jab.
A snide or veiled insult, a dig. More colloquial and implies indirectness.
The loanword ジャブ is only used for the boxing punch. For medical injections, always use 注射 or related terms.
Incorrect for medical jab
The verb 打つ (うつ) is commonly used with 注射, meaning 'to give/receive a shot'. It's more casual than 受ける (うける).
to give/get a jab
He gave me a jab in the ribs.
Physical jab not in boxing context; 突く (つく) means to poke or thrust.
I need to get my flu jab.
She made a jab at his fashion sense.
Children should get their jabs.
ワクチンを打った。
I got the jab.
I got a jab yesterday.
She's always making little jabs.
That sounded like a jab.