Translation guide
The English word 'ripping' can refer to tearing something forcefully, copying digital media, moving very fast, or as British slang for 'excellent'. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Expressing the action of tearing something, such as paper, cloth, or packaging, often with force or along a line.
General verb for tearing or ripping something, such as paper, cloth, or a document. Often implies deliberate action.
He ripped up the letter.
I accidentally ripped the paper.
To tear or split something along a line, often used for fabric, meat, or thin materials. Can imply a clean, intentional tear.
She ripped the cloth to make bandages.
He angrily ripped the book apart.
To tear apart by pulling in opposite directions. Emphasizes force and often results in two pieces.
He ripped the paper in two.
Colloquial phrase meaning to tear something into shreds or many small pieces. 'ビリビリ' is onomatopoeic for ripping sounds.
I ripped the letter into pieces and threw it away.
Extracting audio or video data from a disc or other media to a computer file.
Loanword from English, widely used in tech contexts. Means to rip digital content.
I ripped the CD and converted it to MP3 files.
General verb meaning 'to import' or 'to capture' data. Commonly used for ripping CDs or importing media.
Literally 'to suck out'. Used colloquially for extracting data, especially in gaming or hacking contexts.
Describing something moving at high speed, often with a sense of tearing through air or space.
Means 'to advance at tremendous speed'. Natural for describing vehicles or people moving fast.
The car was ripping down the highway.
To sprint or dash; implies swift, powerful running. Often used in sports or dramatic contexts.
He ripped around the track.
Slang for 'to go full throttle' or 'to blast along'. Very casual, often used for driving or riding.
Expressing that something is fantastic, wonderful, or first-rate. This is dated British slang.
Standard adjective for 'wonderful' or 'splendid'. Safe and natural in most contexts.
That's a ripping idea!
Means 'the best' or 'awesome'. Very common in casual speech.
Slang for 'cool' or 'stylish', somewhat dated but captures the retro feel of 'ripping'.
English uses 'ripping' metaphorically for speed, but Japanese does not use tearing verbs this way. Use speed-related expressions instead.
The car was ripping along.
破る (yaburu) is general tearing, often with hands, and can be accidental or intentional. 裂く (saku) implies a clean tear along a line, often used for fabric or paper, and can be more deliberate. 引き裂く (hikisaku) emphasizes pulling apart with force.
このソフトでCDの曲をパソコンに取り込めます。
You can rip songs from a CD to your computer with this software.
ゲームのROMを吸い出す方法を教えて。
Tell me how to rip a game ROM.
We ripped on the bike all the way to the beach.
昨日のパーティーは最高だった！
The party last night was ripping!
That jacket is ripping!