Translation guide
The English word "lash" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: the physical action of whipping or striking, the eyelash, the act of tying something down, and the figurative sense of harsh criticism. Each meaning is presented with natural Japanese equivalents.
To hit with a whip or something similar, or to move violently like a whip.
Literally 'to whip'. Used for the action of striking with a whip. Can also be used figuratively for harsh criticism or pushing oneself hard.
彼は馬を鞭打った。
He lashed the horse.
自分を鞭打って勉強した。
I pushed myself hard to study.
General verb for 'to hit' or 'to strike'. Can be used when the instrument is not specifically a whip, but the action is similar.
波が岸壁を打った。
The waves lashed the seawall.
To strike violently, often used for rain, waves, or wind lashing against something.
雨が窓を激しく打ち付けた。
The rain lashed against the window.
The short hairs on the edge of the eyelid.
The standard word for eyelash(es). Often used in singular or plural without distinction.
彼女はまつ毛が長い。
She has long lashes.
まつ毛が目に入った。
An eyelash got in my eye.
Formal or medical term for eyelash. Rarely used in everyday conversation.
睫毛の生え際に炎症が起きた。
Inflammation occurred at the base of the eyelashes.
To fasten something tightly with a rope or cord.
To tie or bind something firmly to something else. Often used for securing cargo or a person.
荷物をトラックに縛り付けた。
I lashed the luggage to the truck.
To fasten by tying, similar to 縛り付ける but slightly less forceful. Common for everyday securing.
To criticize someone or something severely.
To harshly criticize or denounce. A direct equivalent for 'lash out at' in a verbal sense.
彼は政府の政策を激しく非難した。
He lashed out at the government's policies.
To criticize scathingly or severely. Often used in news or formal contexts.
新聞はその決定を痛烈に批判した。
The newspaper lashed the decision.
To vent one's anger on someone, often verbally. Implies an emotional outburst.
彼は私に怒りをぶつけた。
He lashed out at me.
The English word 'lash' is sometimes confused with 'rash' by learners. 'Lash' refers to whipping, eyelashes, or tying, while 'rash' (発疹) means a skin irritation. Be careful with spelling and pronunciation.
'Lash out' implies a sudden, often emotional attack, while 'criticize' can be more measured. In Japanese, 激しく非難する is closer to 'lash out', while 批判する is more neutral 'criticize'.
テントを地面にくくり付けた。
We lashed the tent to the ground.