Translation guide
The English word "stroke" has many distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a medical emergency, a swimming movement, a gentle touch, a pen/brush movement, a hit/strike, and a clock chime. Each meaning requires a different Japanese word or phrase.
To refer to a sudden loss of brain function due to a blood clot or hemorrhage.
The standard medical term for a stroke. Used in formal and everyday contexts.
My grandfather collapsed from a stroke.
Specifically refers to an ischemic stroke (caused by a blood clot). Commonly used in medical explanations.
To refer to a particular style of moving through water, or a single arm movement in swimming.
To refer to a soft, affectionate touch, often with the hand.
Verb meaning to stroke gently, to caress. Used for petting animals or comforting someone.
To refer to a single mark made with a writing instrument, or the manner of making such marks.
To refer to a single act of hitting something, often in sports or combat.
One stroke or blow, often used in golf, tennis, or martial arts. Counter for hits.
To refer to a single sound made by a clock or bell, especially to mark the hour.
Time signal or announcement, such as a clock chiming the hour. Often used for radio/TV time checks.
While ストローク is a loanword for swimming, art, or mechanical strokes, it is NOT used for the medical condition. Always use 脳卒中 or its specific types for a brain stroke.
He was hospitalized for a stroke.
なでる implies a gentle, affectionate stroking, often with the palm. さする can be more repetitive or soothing, and is also used for rubbing a sore muscle. なでる is more common for petting animals.
An ischemic stroke was found on the MRI.
Specifically refers to a hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain).
High blood pressure can sometimes cause a hemorrhagic stroke.
Refers to a swimming style or stroke (e.g., breaststroke, backstroke).
He has mastered four swimming strokes.
Loanword from English, used for a single arm pull or the rhythm of swimming. Common in sports contexts.
His stroke is very powerful.
Refers to a single paddle or stroke with the arms, often used in describing swimming technique.
I want to increase the distance per stroke.
She gently stroked the cat's back.
To stroke or rub lightly, often in a soothing or repetitive manner. Can also imply rubbing a sore spot.
The mother stroked her child's head.
One stroke of a pen or brush, especially when writing kanji or drawing. Also used as a counter.
This kanji has 12 strokes in total.
Refers to the style of brushwork or stroke in calligraphy or painting. More artistic nuance.
You can feel the powerful brush strokes in his calligraphy.
Loanword used in art, design, or digital contexts for a single line or brush mark.
The stroke of this brush is smooth.
彼は一打でボールをグリーンに乗せた。
He put the ball on the green in one stroke.
A blow, strike, or impact. Can be physical or metaphorical (e.g., a financial blow).
The news dealt him a heavy blow.
A single powerful blow or strike, often in fighting or dramatic contexts.
He knocked down his opponent with one stroke.
The clock strikes the hour.
The bell rings/tolls. Used for church bells or large bells marking time.
The church bell rang out the stroke of noon.
One strike of a bell or gong. Can be used poetically.
A single stroke of the New Year's Eve bell echoed.
to stroke a dog
to rub/stroke one's shoulder