Translation guide
The English phrasal verb 'pick at' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: eating in small, unenthusiastic bites; touching or scratching something repeatedly; and criticizing or finding fault with someone. Each meaning is explained with natural Japanese expressions.
To eat food slowly and without much appetite, often just moving it around the plate.
This verb literally means 'to poke' or 'to peck at', and is commonly used for picking at food without eating much.
彼は食事をつつくだけで、ほとんど食べなかった。
He just picked at his meal and barely ate anything.
Means 'to fiddle with' or 'to toy with'. Used when someone is playing with their food rather than eating it properly.
彼女はサラダをいじっているだけで、食欲がないようだ。
She's just picking at her salad; she doesn't seem to have an appetite.
To repeatedly touch, pull, or scratch at something, often a part of the body or a loose thread.
Used for fiddling with something, such as picking at a scab or a loose thread.
かさぶたをいじると、治りが遅くなるよ。
If you pick at the scab, it'll take longer to heal.
A general verb for 'to touch'. When combined with adverbs like 'しきりに' (repeatedly), it can convey the idea of picking at something.
Means 'to dig at' or 'to pick at' something with a finger or tool, often used for picking at a scab or dirt.
To repeatedly criticize someone or point out small faults.
Literally 'to look for flaws'. This is the most direct equivalent for picking at someone's faults.
彼はいつも私のあら探しをしている。
He's always picking at me.
Means 'to find fault with' or 'to nitpick'. It implies criticizing something unnecessarily.
彼女は私の提案にいちいちけちをつける。
She picks at every suggestion I make.
Means 'to nag' or 'to complain about small things'. It's often used for persistent, minor criticism.
母は私の服装にいつも小言を言う。
My mother always picks at my clothes.
When he's nervous, he always picks at his tie.
Don't pick at the wound.