Translation guide
The English word 'kick' covers a range of actions, from striking with the foot to idiomatic expressions. This guide helps learners express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
To hit something or someone with your foot.
The most common and general verb for 'kick'. Can be used for kicking objects, people, or in sports.
He kicked the ball.
ドアを蹴って開けた。
I kicked the door open.
Loanword from English, often used in sports contexts like soccer or martial arts. Less common in everyday speech.
彼は強烈なキックを放った。
He delivered a powerful kick.
To kick something away forcefully or send flying with a kick. Implies a strong, dismissive action.
空き缶を蹴飛ばした。
I kicked the empty can away.
To stop a bad habit or addiction.
The most straightforward way to say 'quit' a habit. Use with the habit as the object.
タバコをやめたい。
I want to kick the smoking habit.
Idiom meaning 'to wash one's feet', used figuratively to mean quitting a bad lifestyle or shady business. Stronger than just quitting a habit.
To relax or take it easy.
General verb for relaxing, making oneself comfortable. Suitable for most situations.
家でくつろいでいる。
I'm just kicking back at home.
To take it easy, do something leisurely. Often used for spending time without pressure.
週末はのんびりしたい。
I want to kick back this weekend.
To begin an event or activity.
The standard verb for 'start'. Can be used for meetings, events, projects.
会議を始めましょう。
Let's kick off the meeting.
Loanword used specifically for the start of a soccer game or metaphorically for project launches.
To force someone to leave a place or group.
To drive out or expel. Commonly used for kicking someone out of a room, house, or organization.
彼はクラブから追い出された。
He was kicked out of the club.
To fire someone from a job. Literally 'to cut off the neck'. Very common for employment termination.
For a drug, medicine, or effect to start working.
A slang expression for dying.
The standard verb for 'die'. Neutral and direct.
彼は去年死んだ。
He kicked the bucket last year.
A very rough and vulgar way to say 'die', similar to 'kick the bucket' in tone. Use with caution.
Extremely informal and can be offensive. Only use in very casual, rough speech among close friends.
A feeling of excitement or pleasure, often from something stimulating.
Pleasant sensation, thrill. Can be used for the 'kick' from drugs, speed, or exciting activities.
スピードの快感を味わう。
I get a kick out of speed.
Loanword for 'thrill'. Often used for the excitement of dangerous or risky activities.
Many English idioms using 'kick' do not translate directly to Japanese using 蹴る. For example, 'kick the bucket' is not バケツを蹴る. Always check the intended meaning and use the appropriate Japanese expression.
蹴る is the native Japanese verb and is used in most everyday contexts. キック is a loanword often used in sports or as a noun. For general kicking, 蹴る is preferred.
彼はボールをゴールに蹴り込んだ。
He kicked the ball into the goal.
カフェイン中毒をやめようとしている。
I'm trying to kick my caffeine addiction.
のんびり映画でも見よう。
Let's just kick back and watch a movie.
彼は暴力団から足を洗った。
He kicked his gang ties.
プロジェクトのキックオフミーティングは明日です。
The project kick-off meeting is tomorrow.
He got kicked out of the company.
あいつ、ついにくたばったよ。
That guy finally kicked the bucket.
He went bungee jumping for kicks.