Translation guide
The English word "spit" can refer to the action of ejecting saliva or small objects from the mouth, the saliva itself, or a pointed rod for roasting. This guide focuses on the most common meanings for learners: the action and the saliva.
Expel saliva, food, or a small object from the mouth, often with force.
The most common and neutral way to say 'spit' (saliva). Literally 'spit out saliva'. Use this for the general action.
He spat on the street.
Means 'spit out' or 'eject from the mouth'. Used for saliva, food, or objects. More forceful than 唾を吐く.
He spat out what was in his mouth.
Onomatopoeic expression for spitting something small out, like a seed or a bad-tasting piece of food. Casual.
I spat out the seed.
Medical term for expectorating phlegm or sputum. Not used in everyday conversation.
The patient spat up bloody sputum.
The liquid produced in the mouth; spittle.
The most common word for saliva or spit. Can be used in compounds like 唾を吐く.
Spit flew out.
More formal or scientific term for saliva. Used in medical contexts or when discussing saliva's functions.
A slightly more colloquial or childish word for saliva. Often used in set phrases like つばきをつける (to moisten with spit).
A pointed rod on which meat is roasted.
The English idiom 'spit it out' meaning 'say what you want to say' does not translate directly. Use 早く言って (はやくいって) or 言いたいことを言って (いいたいことをいって) instead.
唾液の分泌が減った。
Saliva production decreased.
指につばきをつけてページをめくった。
He wet his finger with spit and turned the page.
焼き串に鶏を丸ごと刺した。
They put a whole chicken on the spit.