Translation guide
The English verb "jostle" describes pushing or bumping against someone, often in a crowd. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; instead, different verbs and phrases are used depending on the situation, such as accidental bumping, intentional pushing, or moving through a crowd.
I bumped into someone on the crowded train.
Passive form of 押す (to push). Used when you are pushed by others, often in a crowd. Focuses on the experience of being pushed.
I was jostled in the crowd and almost fell.
Literally 'to be tossed about in a crowd'. Implies being pushed and shoved repeatedly in a dense crowd, often with a sense of being overwhelmed.
I got jostled around in the festival crowd and got tired.
To describe deliberately pushing someone, often to move them or to get past.
General verb for 'push'. Can be used for intentional pushing, but context is needed to distinguish from accidental contact.
He jostled me to make way.
To push aside or shove out of the way. Stronger and more deliberate than 押す.
To shove or push someone forcefully, often causing them to stumble. Implies aggression.
To describe the action of making one's way through a crowd by pushing or elbowing.
Literally 'to push through a crowd and advance'. Describes actively making your way through a dense crowd, often using your hands.
I jostled my way through the crowd toward the exit.
To cut in or push into a line or crowd. Often used for jumping a queue, but can describe forcing oneself into a crowd.
To describe metaphorical jostling, such as competing for attention, power, or advantage.
Idiom meaning 'to compete fiercely', literally 'to sharpen one's swords'. Used for intense competition in business, politics, etc.
Companies are jostling for market share.
To compete or contend with each other, often in a close contest. Can be used for bidding, racing, or vying for position.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'jostle'. Using a dictionary translation like 押し合う may sound unnatural in many contexts. Choose the expression based on whether the contact is accidental or intentional, and whether you are describing the action or the experience.
Use ぶつかる for accidental bumping. Use 押す or 押しのける for intentional pushing. Using 押す for an accident may imply blame.
He jostled people aside and went forward.
I was jostled (shoved) by a drunkard.
He jostled into the line.
Candidates are jostling for the party's nomination.