Translation guide
How to express the action of pushing something into a space, container, or surface in Japanese. The best word depends on what is being pushed, how forcefully, and into what.
To insert or force an object into a confined space, such as a pocket, bag, or hole.
General term for pushing something into a space, often with some force. Can be used for stuffing things into a bag or pushing a plug into a socket.
I pushed the clothes into the bag.
He pushed the key into the keyhole.
More forceful or abrupt than 押し込む. Often implies thrusting or jamming something in quickly. Can also be used figuratively.
He shoved his hands into his pockets.
To insert something into a slot or opening, often with a sliding motion. Common for inserting cards, plugs, or keys.
Please insert the card.
To press an object into a soft or penetrable material, like pushing a thumbtack into a board or a finger into dough.
Works for pushing something into a surface, but often combined with other words for clarity.
I pushed the thumbtack into the wall.
To stab or thrust into, implying piercing. Used for sharp objects.
To cause something to sink or become embedded into a surface, often by force. Implies the object is stuck.
To force a person into a room, vehicle, or difficult circumstance.
To cut in line or force one's way into a waiting line.
To cut into a line or queue. Commonly used for pushing into traffic or a waiting line.
He pushed into the line.
押し込む is the most general 'push into'. 突っ込む implies a more forceful, sudden thrust. 差し込む is for sliding something into a designated slot.
push a book into the shelf
shove a hand into a pocket
insert a plug
彼はナイフを机に突き刺した。
He stabbed the knife into the desk.
He made the ball embed itself into the wall.
He pushed her into despair.