Translation guide
The English word 'sling' covers several distinct actions and objects. This guide breaks them down into practical meanings: throwing something forcefully, hanging or suspending something loosely, a medical arm support, and a weapon for throwing stones. For each meaning, natural Japanese expressions are provided, with notes on usage and register.
To throw something with a sweeping motion, often casually or with force.
General verb for 'throw'. Works for most contexts where 'sling' means to throw something.
He slung his bag onto the sofa.
To fling or toss something carelessly. Emphasizes a casual, forceful throw.
She slung her jacket onto the floor.
To hurl or sling something with great force. Colloquial and emphatic.
He slung a rock into the river.
To hang something over a shoulder, across the body, or from a point so that it hangs loosely.
To hang or drape something over a hook, shoulder, etc. Common for 'sling a bag over one's shoulder'.
He slung his bag over his shoulder.
To suspend or hang something from above. Used for hammocks, decorations, etc.
To dangle or hang something loosely. Often implies a casual, swinging motion.
A bandage or device used to support an injured arm.
A simple weapon consisting of a strap or loop used to hurl stones.
For hanging clothes on a hanger, use 掛ける (かける) or 吊るす (つるす), but not スリング. スリング is only for the weapon or medical device.
They slung a hammock between two trees.
He walked along with his shoes slung from his hand.
The doctor told him to wear an arm sling.
彼はスリングで小石を撃った。
He shot a pebble with a sling.