Translation guide
The English word 'slap' refers to a sharp hit with an open hand, often to the face. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 平手打ち (hirateuchi) or the verb 叩く (tataku), but the best choice depends on context, formality, and whether it's a physical action or a metaphorical one.
To describe the action of hitting someone with an open hand, usually on the face.
Noun meaning 'a slap with the flat of the hand'. Often used in formal or descriptive contexts. Can be used with する to mean 'to slap'.
He slapped her.
General verb meaning 'to hit' or 'to strike'. When used with 平手で (with the flat of the hand), it specifically means 'to slap'. Can also mean 'to clap' or 'to beat'.
He angrily slapped the desk with his open hand.
The mother slapped her child's cheek.
Colloquial noun for a slap, especially to the face. Often used in casual or dramatic contexts. Can be used with する or 張る (はる).
I slapped that guy.
Verb meaning 'to slap' or 'to strike' (often the face). Used in phrases like 頬を張る (to slap someone's cheek). More forceful than 叩く.
He slapped her cheek.
Onomatopoeic adverb + 叩く, meaning 'to slap with a sharp sound'. Emphasizes the sound of the slap.
He slapped the mosquito with a smack.
To describe an action or event that feels like a sudden insult or rejection.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'to deal a slap in the face', used metaphorically for a sharp insult or humiliation.
That remark was like a slap in the face to him.
Noun meaning 'insult'. Often used when 'slap' is used figuratively to mean an insult.
Noun meaning 'rejection'. Used when 'slap' implies a sudden refusal or dismissal.
To describe the sound of a slap or similar sharp impact.
Onomatopoeia for a sharp slapping or popping sound. Can be used as an adverb with と.
He slapped his hands together with a clap.
Onomatopoeia for a sharp, wet slapping sound, like a slap on skin.
I heard a slapping sound.
To describe putting something down forcefully or carelessly with a slapping motion.
The English idiom 'a slap in the face' is not directly translated as 顔への平手打ち in most contexts. Instead, use phrases like 侮辱 (insult) or 拒絶 (rejection) to convey the metaphorical meaning.
It was a slap in the face to me.
叩く (tataku) is a general verb for hitting, and can mean slap when context or adverbs like 平手で are added. 張る (haru) specifically means to slap (often the face) and is more forceful. ビンタ (binta) is a casual noun for a face slap, often used in dramatic or colloquial speech.
彼の言葉は私への侮辱だった。
His words were a slap in the face to me.
彼女の返事は完全な拒絶だった。
Her reply was a complete slap in the face.
Verb meaning 'to slam' or 'to throw down forcefully'. Implies a violent slapping motion.
He slapped the phone onto the floor.