Translation guide
The English word 'nip' covers several distinct actions: a quick bite or pinch, a small drink of alcohol, a sharp cold sensation, and the act of cutting or pinching off something. This guide organizes natural Japanese expressions by these meanings.
To describe a small, quick bite (often by an animal) or a sharp pinch with fingers.
General verb for 'bite'. For a quick, light bite, context or adverbs clarify the action.
犬が私の手を軽く噛んだ。
The dog gave my hand a little nip.
Means 'to pinch' with fingers. Can be used for a quick, sharp pinch.
He gave my arm a nip.
Means 'to pinch' or 'to catch between two things', like a door or tool. Less common for a deliberate nip.
My finger got nipped in the door.
To refer to a small amount of strong alcohol, often taken quickly.
Literally 'one mouthful'. Commonly used for a sip or nip of alcohol.
I took a nip of whiskey.
Casual phrase meaning 'a quick drink'. Implies a small amount, often alcohol.
How about a quick nip after work?
Loanword for a 'shot' of alcohol. Used in bars for a small, quick drink.
To describe a sudden feeling of cold, often biting or stinging.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'biting cold' or 'piercing cold'. Captures the sharp sensation of a nip in the air.
There was a real nip in the air this morning.
Noun meaning 'a chill' or 'cold snap'. Often used for a sudden drop in temperature.
Literally 'stinging cold'. Emphasizes the sharp, painful aspect of cold.
The wind had a real nip to it.
To describe the action of cutting or pinching off a small part of something, like a plant or thread.
Means 'to pick' or 'to pluck', often used for pinching off buds or leaves with fingers.
I nipped off some basil leaves in the garden.
Means 'to cut off' with scissors or a blade. Used when a tool is involved.
Means 'to bite off'. Used for animals or people biting something off. More violent than a gentle nip.
The English word 'nip' covers several distinct concepts. There is no single Japanese word that matches all uses. Always choose the expression based on the specific meaning you intend.
I ordered a nip of tequila.
今夜は冷え込みが厳しい。
There's a sharp nip in the air tonight.
余分な糸を切り取ってください。
Please nip off the excess thread.
ネズミがケーブルを食いちぎった。
A rat nipped through the cable.