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.
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.
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.
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.
He's always picking at me.
Means 'to find fault with' or 'to nitpick'. It implies criticizing something unnecessarily.
Means 'to nag' or 'to complain about small things'. It's often used for persistent, minor criticism.
彼は緊張すると、いつもネクタイをしきりに触る。
When he's nervous, he always picks at his tie.
傷口をほじらないで。
Don't pick at the wound.
She picks at every suggestion I make.
My mother always picks at my clothes.