Translation guide
The English word 'punch' can refer to a physical strike, a tool for making holes, a drink, or the action of pressing or hitting something. This guide covers the most common ways to express these meanings in Japanese.
To hit someone or something with a closed fist.
The most common and direct loanword for a punch. Used in everyday conversation and sports contexts like boxing.
He punched me.
The boxer threw a powerful punch.
The native Japanese verb meaning 'to punch' or 'to strike with a fist'. More direct and often implies a violent or forceful action.
He suddenly punched me.
I got punched in the face in a fight.
Literally 'fist', but often used to refer to a punch, especially in the phrase 拳骨を食らわす (to give someone a punch). Slightly old-fashioned or colloquial.
If you misbehave, I'll give you a punch.
Means 'one blow' or 'one punch'. Often used in the context of a single, decisive punch.
He knocked down his opponent with one punch.
A device used to punch holes in paper, leather, or other materials.
The loanword for a hole punch, commonly used for office supplies.
Please punch holes in the documents with a hole punch.
Literally 'hole opener', a general term for a hole punch or perforator.
A more technical term for a perforating machine or punch, used in industrial contexts.
A mixed drink, often served at parties, typically containing fruit juice and alcohol.
To press or strike something with force, like a button or key.
The general verb for 'to press' or 'to push'. Used for buttons, keys, etc. Not specifically 'punch' but the natural equivalent in most contexts.
Please press the button.
He punched the keyboard hard.
Means 'to hit' or 'to strike'. Can be used for forcefully hitting a button or keyboard, implying a punching motion.
A verb form of the loanword, used colloquially for 'to punch' in the sense of pressing something forcefully, like a ticket or time card.
Punch the time card.
This hole punch can also be used on leather.
工場では穿孔機を使って金属板に穴を開ける。
In the factory, they use a punching machine to make holes in metal sheets.
Punch used to be popular in the old days.
怒って机を叩いた。
He punched the desk in anger.