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.
彼は道に唾を吐いた。
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.
彼は口の中のものを吐き出した。
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.
種をペッと吐いた。
I spat out the seed.
Medical term for expectorating phlegm or sputum. Not used in everyday conversation.
患者は血痰を喀出した。
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.
唾が飛んだ。
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.
General word for skewer or spit. Used for both cooking and serving. Often metal or bamboo.
肉を串に刺して焼く。
Skewer the meat and grill it.
Specifically a spit for roasting over fire. Emphasizes the cooking method.
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.
Saliva production decreased.
He wet his finger with spit and turned the page.
They put a whole chicken on the spit.