Translation guide
The English verb 'spank' refers to striking someone, typically a child, on the buttocks as a form of punishment. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is お尻を叩く (oshiri o tataku), literally 'to hit the buttocks'. However, cultural attitudes toward physical punishment differ, and direct translations may carry stronger connotations. This guide covers natural ways to express spanking in various contexts.
To describe the act of disciplining a child by striking their buttocks, usually with an open hand.
The most direct and common translation. It literally means 'to hit the buttocks' and is used for spanking as punishment. Can be used for both children and, humorously, adults.
子供の頃、悪いことをすると母にお尻を叩かれた。
When I was a child, my mother spanked me when I did something bad.
That kid is too mischievous; he won't learn unless you spank him.
A general verb meaning 'to hit' or 'to strike'. When context makes it clear, it can mean spanking, but it's ambiguous without specifying the body part. Often used with お尻を (oshiri o) for clarity.
Without specifying お尻を, this could mean hitting anywhere on the body, which may sound more violent than 'spank'.
父は怒ると私を叩いた。
My father would hit me when he got angry.
Means 'to punish' or 'to discipline'. It's a euphemistic way to refer to spanking without explicitly mentioning hitting. Often used in parenting contexts.
悪いことをしたら、お仕置きをするよ。
If you do something bad, I'll punish you.
To describe a light slap on the buttocks for fun or in a sexual context.
The same phrase used for punishment can also be used playfully or sexually, depending on context and tone. Often accompanied by a playful or flirtatious manner.
彼は冗談で彼女のお尻を軽く叩いた。
He playfully spanked her butt.
Loanword from English, used specifically for sexual spanking or BDSM contexts. Not used for child discipline.
彼らはスパンキングを楽しむカップルだ。
They are a couple who enjoy spanking.
To express beating someone thoroughly in a competition or game.
Means 'to defeat' or 'to beat' decisively. It's a common verb for winning overwhelmingly in sports, games, or arguments.
我々は相手チームを完全に打ち負かした。
We completely spanked the opposing team.
Slang meaning 'to beat up' or 'to thrash'. Can be used figuratively for a lopsided victory. Very casual.
昨日の試合で、うちのチームが相手をボコボコにした。
In yesterday's game, our team spanked the opponents.
Physical punishment of children is a sensitive topic in Japan, and openly discussing spanking may be seen as endorsing child abuse. Use with caution, especially in formal or public settings.
叩く (tataku) generally means 'to hit' with an open hand or light force, while 殴る (naguru) means 'to punch' or 'to strike' with a fist, implying more violence. For spanking, always use 叩く, never 殴る.