Translation guide
The English word 'pedal' can refer to a foot-operated lever on a bicycle, car, piano, or other machine, or to the action of pushing such a lever. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for these meanings.
The foot-operated part of a bicycle that you push to move.
The most common and direct word for a bicycle pedal. Used in everyday speech.
自転車のペダルが壊れた。
The bicycle pedal broke.
The foot-operated controls in a vehicle.
General term for any car pedal. Often specified with a modifier.
アクセルペダルを踏む。
Step on the accelerator pedal.
ブレーキペダルを踏み間違えた。
I pressed the wrong pedal (the brake pedal by mistake).
Short for accelerator pedal. Very common in casual speech.
Short for brake pedal. Used casually.
Clutch pedal. Used mainly for manual transmission vehicles.
The foot lever on a piano that alters the sound.
General term for piano pedals. Often used with modifiers like 右 (right) or 左 (left).
ピアノのペダルを踏む。
Step on the piano pedal.
Specifically the damper (sustain) pedal, the rightmost pedal.
ダンパーペダルを使うと音が伸びる。
When you use the damper pedal, the sound sustains.
A foot-operated lever on various devices.
Generic term for foot pedals on machines like sewing machines or organs.
ミシンのペダルを踏んで縫う。
Step on the sewing machine pedal to sew.
Describes something as foot-operated. Often used as a modifier.
足踏み式のミシン。
A treadle sewing machine.
The action of pushing pedals, especially on a bicycle.
The standard phrase for pedaling a bicycle. こぐ means to pedal or row.
一生懸命ペダルをこいだ。
I pedaled hard.
Literally 'step on the pedal'. Used for car pedals or piano pedals, but can also be used for bicycles in some contexts.
自転車のペダルを踏む。
Step on the bicycle pedal.
ペダル refers to foot-operated controls. ハンドル means handlebar or steering wheel. Saying ハンドル for pedal is incorrect.
アクセルを踏みすぎた。
I stepped on the accelerator too hard.
急ブレーキをかけた。
I slammed on the brakes.
クラッチを踏んでギアを変える。
Step on the clutch and change gears.