Translation guide
The English word 'pat' can be a noun (a light tap) or a verb (to tap lightly). This guide covers how to express these actions and related concepts naturally in Japanese.
To gently tap someone or something with an open hand, often as a gesture of affection, comfort, or to get attention.
The most common way to say 'pat' as a verb. ポン is an onomatopoeia for a light tapping sound, and 叩く means 'to hit/tap'. Together they describe a gentle pat.
He patted me on the shoulder.
I patted the child on the head and praised them.
Literally 'to hit lightly'. A more general way to describe a light tap, without the onomatopoeia. Can be used for patting, but also for other light strikes.
I patted him on the back to encourage him.
Means 'to stroke' or 'to pet'. While not exactly a pat, it can be used when the action is more of a gentle, repeated stroking motion rather than a single tap. Often used for petting animals or soothing someone.
Use only when the action involves a stroking motion, not a single tap.
I patted the dog's head. (more like stroked)
Referring to the action itself as a noun, e.g., 'give a pat'.
To shape or flatten something by patting it with the hands, e.g., patting dough or clay.
Means 'to flatten by hitting'. Used when patting something to make it flat, like dough or a sandcastle.
I patted the bread dough flat.
Literally 'to press with hands and shape'. A more descriptive phrase for patting something into a desired shape.
To dry something by gently pressing with a cloth or paper, e.g., patting your face dry.
Means 'to gently press and remove moisture'. The natural way to describe patting something dry without rubbing.
I patted my face dry with a towel.
Uses the onomatopoeia ポンポン for repeated light pats, combined with 拭く (to wipe). Conveys a gentle dabbing motion.
I patted up the spilled water with a cloth.
To give praise or encouragement, often metaphorically.
Literally 'to push someone's back'. A common idiom meaning to encourage or support someone, similar to 'a pat on the back'.
His words gave me a pat on the back (encouraged me).
Simply means 'to praise'. Can be used when the 'pat on the back' is purely verbal.
To congratulate oneself; to feel self-satisfaction.
ポンと叩く is more vivid and colloquial, emphasizing the light, playful sound. 軽く叩く is more neutral and can be used in any context, but may sound slightly more formal or written.
I gave my friend a pat on the shoulder. (casual)
The doctor lightly tapped the patient's back for examination. (neutral/medical)
English often uses 'give a pat' as a noun phrase. In Japanese, it's more natural to use the verb phrase ポンと叩く or describe the action. Direct translations like パット (katakana) are not commonly used for this meaning.
He gave me a pat on the head. (natural Japanese)
I patted the clay into shape.
上司に褒められて嬉しかった。
I was happy to get a pat on the back from my boss.