Translation guide
The English verb "mash" refers to crushing or pressing something into a soft, uniform mass, especially food. This guide covers common Japanese ways to express mashing, from cooking to general crushing.
To crush cooked food into a smooth or lumpy paste, typically with a tool.
General verb for crushing or mashing something into a paste or flat shape. Commonly used for potatoes, beans, fruits, etc.
I mash potatoes to make mashed potatoes.
Loanword from English, used specifically for making mashed potatoes or similar dishes. Common in recipes.
Mash the boiled potatoes.
To grind or mash into a fine paste, often using a mortar or grinder. Used for sesame seeds, nuts, etc.
Grind sesame seeds into a paste.
To crush something soft with your hands or fingers, often playfully or carelessly.
Same verb as above, but can be used for mashing with hands. Context clarifies the method.
The child mashed the clay with their hands.
To make something messy or squishy by mashing or crushing. Often used for food or soft objects.
Don't mash the cake.
To press a button or key forcefully or repeatedly, often in frustration or gaming.
To press something into another substance, mixing or embedding it.
つぶす is general mashing or crushing, resulting in a chunky or smooth texture. すりつぶす implies grinding into a very fine paste, often with a tool like a mortar.
In gaming, "mash a button" is not translated as ボタンをつぶす (which means physically crushing the button). Use 連打する for rapid pressing.
He angrily mashed the keyboard.
にんにくを肉に押し込んで味をつける。
Mash garlic into the meat to flavor it.