Translation guide
The English word 'ram' has several distinct meanings: a male sheep, a device for striking or forcing, and the action of striking or forcing something. This guide covers the most common and useful Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
Referring to a male sheep, especially one that has not been castrated.
The standard word for a male sheep. Can be used in most contexts.
牧場に雄羊がいる。
There is a ram on the farm.
An alternative kanji for male sheep, using the character for male animals. Less common than 雄羊.
牡羊の角は大きい。
The ram's horns are large.
A tool or machine part that delivers a heavy blow, such as a battering ram or a hydraulic ram.
The loanword from English, used in technical contexts for mechanical rams (e.g., hydraulic ram, battering ram).
油圧ラムが故障した。
The hydraulic ram broke down.
Specifically a battering ram used in medieval warfare. A historical term.
破城槌で城門を破った。
They broke the castle gate with a battering ram.
To hit or drive something with force, or to cram something into a space.
To drive in, hammer in, or ram something (e.g., a stake). Also used for hitting a ball forcefully.
杭を地面に打ち込んだ。
I rammed the stake into the ground.
To thrust into, shove into, or ram something into a space. Often implies a sudden, forceful action.
To crash into, ram into (a vehicle or object). Used for collisions.
To cram, pack, or ram things tightly into a container or space.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'ram'. Choose the verb based on the specific action: driving in (打ち込む), thrusting (突っ込む), crashing (ぶつける), or cramming (詰め込む). Using the loanword ラムする is not natural.
He rammed his hand into his pocket.
車を壁にぶつけてしまった。
I accidentally rammed the car into the wall.
スーツケースに服を詰め込んだ。
I rammed clothes into the suitcase.