Translation guide
How to express 'puncture' in Japanese, covering physical piercing, tire punctures, medical punctures, and figurative deflation.
Expressing the action of piercing or puncturing an object, such as a balloon, container, or surface.
The most common and versatile way to say 'to make a hole' or 'to puncture' something. Literally 'open a hole'.
風船に穴を開けてしまった。
I accidentally punctured the balloon.
To stab or pierce with a sharp object. Emphasizes the action of thrusting into something.
ナイフでタイヤを突き刺した。
He punctured the tire with a knife.
To pierce or sting. Often used for insect stings or needle pricks, but can also mean to puncture with a sharp point.
針で指を刺してしまった。
I pricked my finger with a needle.
Specifically means to cause a flat tire. Used when the result is a deflated tire.
釘がタイヤをパンクさせた。
The nail punctured the tire.
Referring to the hole itself, especially in a tire, container, or surface.
General word for 'hole'. In context, it can mean a puncture hole.
タイヤに穴が開いている。
There's a puncture in the tire.
Specifically a flat tire or the puncture causing it. Very common for bicycle/car tire punctures.
A puncture wound, often from a sharp object. Used in medical or injury contexts.
Referring to a medical procedure where a needle is inserted into the body.
Medical term for puncture or centesis. Used in compound words like 腰椎穿刺 (lumbar puncture).
腰椎穿刺を行います。
We will perform a lumbar puncture.
Expressing the idea of puncturing someone's ego, mood, or a situation.
Idiom meaning to take someone down a peg or deflate their arrogance. Literally 'break someone's nose'.
彼の傲慢な態度を鼻をへし折ってやった。
I punctured his arrogant attitude.
To deflate or make something wither. Can be used figuratively for mood or enthusiasm.
彼の一言が私のやる気をしぼませた。
His one remark punctured my motivation.
My bicycle got a puncture.
刺し傷から血が出ている。
Blood is coming from the puncture wound.
To spoil someone's start or enthusiasm; to puncture their initial momentum.
雨でピクニックの出鼻をくじかれた。
The rain punctured our picnic plans.