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.
彼はボールを蹴った。
He kicked the ball.
I kicked the door open.
Loanword from English, often used in sports contexts like soccer or martial arts. Less common in everyday speech.
He delivered a powerful kick.
To kick something away forcefully or send flying with a kick. Implies a strong, dismissive action.
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.
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.
I'm just kicking back at home.
To take it easy, do something leisurely. Often used for spending time without pressure.
I want to kick back this weekend.
To begin an event or activity.
To force someone to leave a place or group.
For a drug, medicine, or effect to start working.
A slang expression for dying.
The standard verb for 'die'. Neutral and direct.
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.
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.
He kicked the ball into the goal.
I'm trying to kick my caffeine addiction.
Let's just kick back and watch a movie.
He kicked his gang ties.
The project kick-off meeting is tomorrow.
彼は会社をクビになった。
He got kicked out of the company.
That guy finally kicked the bucket.
He went bungee jumping for kicks.