Translation guide
The act of striking with a fist. In Japanese, the most common word is パンチ, but there are also native verbs like 殴る and compound verbs for specific types of punches.
To hit someone or something with a closed fist.
Loanword from English, used as a noun or with する to mean 'to punch'. Very common in casual speech and sports contexts.
He punched me.
I practice punching in boxing.
The most common native verb meaning 'to punch' or 'to strike'. Used for hitting people or things with a fist. Can sound violent.
He punched his opponent.
Please don't punch the wall.
Formal noun meaning 'punch' or 'blow'. Often used in legal or news contexts. Can be used with する.
The suspect punched the victim.
Referring to a specific punching technique in boxing, karate, etc.
In martial arts like karate, this means a straight punch or thrust. Often used in compound terms.
I practice karate punches.
The straight punch is fundamental.
Also used in boxing and MMA contexts for various punches (jab, hook, etc.).
To create a hole by punching, e.g., with a tool or machine.
To enter data by pressing keys or buttons, e.g., punching a code or clocking in.
General verb for 'input' or 'enter' data. Not specific to punching, but natural for keying in numbers.
Please punch in your PIN.
Verb meaning 'to hit' or 'to type'. Can be used for typing or keying in data.
Specifically for punching a time clock or stamping attendance.
Punch in on the time card.
殴る is the native verb and can sound more violent or physical. パンチ is a loanword and is common in sports, casual talk, and metaphorical uses (e.g., 'punch line'). In everyday speech about fighting, both are used, but 殴る is more direct.
While パンチする is understood, it can sound a bit awkward in some contexts. For physical punching, 殴る is often more natural. For hole punching, 穴を開ける is clearer than パンチする unless referring to a specific tool.
A jab is a light punch.
Can you punch a hole in this belt?
Punch the keys.
I punched the wall. (natural)