Translation guide
The English verb 'pluck' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: removing something by pulling (like feathers or eyebrows), playing a stringed instrument with fingers, and picking fruit or flowers. It also includes the less common meaning of summoning courage. Each meaning is matched with natural Japanese expressions.
To remove something attached by pulling it out, often with fingers or a tool.
pluck feathers · pluck eyebrows · pluck a chicken
General verb for pulling out or extracting. Works for feathers, hair, weeds, etc. Transitive.
Pluck a chicken's feathers.
Pluck eyebrows.
To pluck or tear off with fingers, often used for feathers, hair, or grass. Implies a rougher action.
Pluck feathers from a bird.
To pull out with force, often for plants or objects stuck in something.
Pluck weeds.
To sound a string by pulling and releasing it with fingers, like on a guitar or harp.
pluck a guitar string · pluck the strings of a harp
General verb for playing stringed instruments, including plucking, strumming, or bowing. Context clarifies the method.
Specifically 'play with fingers', emphasizing plucking rather than using a pick or bow.
He plucks the guitar with his fingers.
To pluck with fingertips, often used for gentle or delicate playing. Literary nuance.
To remove something growing by hand, usually with a quick pulling motion.
pluck an apple · pluck flowers · pluck tea leaves
To pick or pluck with fingertips, typically for small items like flowers, tea leaves, or buds.
To twist and pull off, often for fruits or larger items. Implies a stronger action.
To gather or harvest, can be used for plucking fruits or leaves in a broader sense.
To gather or muster up courage, often with effort.
pluck up courage · pluck up the courage to speak
抜く is the standard, neutral verb for pulling out individual hairs or feathers. むしる implies a rougher, more forceful plucking, often grabbing a bunch and tearing out. Use 抜く for grooming or careful removal, むしる for rough handling or when describing birds preening.
There is no single verb equivalent to 'pluck' in 'pluck up courage'. Use set phrases like 勇気を出す or 勇気を振り絞る. Literal translations will not be understood.
She plucked a flower from the garden.
He plucked the guitar strings softly.
彼女はそっと琴の弦をつま弾いた。
She gently plucked the strings of the koto.
リンゴをもぎ取る。
Pluck an apple from the tree.
Pluck wild vegetables in the mountains.