Translation guide
A guide to expressing the English word "strike" in Japanese, covering physical hitting, labor strikes, sudden ideas, and more.
To hit someone or something, or to attack.
General verb for punching or hitting with a fist.
He struck me.
To hit, strike, or beat. Used in broader contexts, including hitting with an object or striking in sports.
He struck the ball.
To hit, slap, or knock. Often implies a slapping or pounding motion.
He struck the desk.
To attack. More formal or military, used for strikes in warfare or organized attacks.
They struck the enemy.
A work stoppage by employees as a form of protest.
To suddenly think of something or have an idea.
To come to mind, to occur to someone. Used for ideas striking you.
A good idea struck me.
To flash into one's mind, to have a sudden inspiration.
Pattern meaning '~ comes to mind'. The subject is the idea.
At that moment, an idea struck me.
To ignite a match or create a spark.
To assume a posture or adopt a particular attitude.
To reach an agreement or make a bargain.
To find a compromise or equilibrium between two things.
In baseball, to fail to hit the ball three times and be called out.
The English verb "strike" has many meanings that do not translate directly to a single Japanese word. Always consider the specific context and use the appropriate Japanese expression.
殴る (naguru) specifically means to punch with a fist. 打つ (utsu) is a general verb for hitting or striking, often with an instrument or in sports. 叩く (tataku) implies slapping or pounding, and can be used for hitting surfaces or people.
I was late because of the bus strike.
Formal term for a labor strike, rarely used in everyday speech.
A strike was carried out.
突然、解決策がひらめいた。
Suddenly, a solution struck me.
I struck a match and lit a fire.
We need to strike a balance between supply and demand.