Translation guide
The English word 'pelt' can mean to throw things at someone repeatedly, to fall heavily (like rain), or to run fast. It can also refer to an animal skin. This guide focuses on the verb uses, which are the most common and useful for learners.
To throw a series of objects at someone or something, often in an attacking or playful manner.
Literally 'throw and attach', this is the most direct equivalent for pelting someone with objects. It implies throwing forcefully and repeatedly.
The children pelted snowballs.
Means 'to pour/dump on' and can be used figuratively for pelting with words, questions, or criticism, as well as physically with things like water or stones.
He was pelted with questions.
Means 'to throw/hit against', often used for throwing something at someone in anger or frustration. Less repetitive nuance than 投げつける.
He got angry and pelted a stone (at someone).
To describe rain, hail, or other precipitation falling with force, often continuously.
The standard way to say 'fall heavily' for rain. Combine with 雨 (rain) or 雹 (hail).
The rain is pelting down.
A noun meaning 'downpour' or 'pelting rain'. Often used as 土砂降りの雨 (pelting rain) or 土砂降りだ (it's pouring).
Literally 'fall as if beating against', this vividly describes rain or hail pelting against windows or roofs.
To run at full speed, often in a hurried or urgent manner.
Means 'run at full speed'. A clear and common way to express pelting along.
He pelted along.
A colloquial phrase meaning 'to sprint furiously'. 猛 (fierce) + ダッシュ (dash). Often used in casual speech.
A more literary term meaning 'to sprint/dash'. Suitable for written descriptions.
The athlete pelted down the track.
The skin of an animal, especially with fur or hair still attached.
The English word 'pelt' is sometimes misheard or confused with 'felt'. In Japanese, these are completely different words. 'Felt' as a fabric is フェルト, while 'pelt' as animal skin is 毛皮 or 獣皮.
It's pelting down outside.
The hail pelted against the window.
The dog came pelting towards me.
He made a living selling pelts.