Translation guide
The English word 'swipe' has several distinct meanings: a sweeping motion (often with the hand or an object), a sliding gesture on a touchscreen, stealing something quickly, or passing a card through a reader. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each of these uses.
To slide a finger across a screen to navigate, unlock, or interact with a device.
The most direct and common way to say 'swipe' in the context of touchscreens. It's a loanword from English and widely understood.
Please swipe the screen to unlock it.
Swipe left to go back to the previous page.
Literally 'trace with a finger'. Used in instructions or descriptions, especially when emphasizing the motion rather than the action.
Swipe your finger across the screen to input characters.
Specifically refers to a quick, light flick or swipe, often used in Japanese input methods (flick input). More technical.
Type characters using flick input.
To pass a card through a magnetic stripe reader.
The standard expression for swiping a card through a reader. '通す' means 'to pass through'.
Please swipe your card here.
I'll pay by swiping my credit card.
Also used, especially in contexts where English loanwords are common, but 'カードを通す' is more natural in everyday Japanese.
Swipe your card to enter the room.
To steal something quickly and casually, often by grabbing it and running.
Means to snatch or swipe something, often with a sense of boldness or speed. Commonly used for theft.
The culprit swiped the jewels from the store.
General word for 'steal'. Less specific than 'swipe' but can be used in similar contexts.
Casual/slang term for pilfering or swiping something small. Often used among friends or in light-hearted contexts.
To hit or try to hit with a broad, sweeping movement of the hand or an object.
Means to swing or wave something around, often with force. Can be used for a wild swipe.
He swiped at the ball with the bat.
Literally 'to strike sideways'. Used for a powerful, sweeping blow, like a swipe with a fist or weapon.
He took a swipe at his opponent.
Means to scratch or claw. Used when an animal or person swipes with nails/claws.
To quickly browse or flip through digital content, like photos or social media feeds.
Both are used for touchscreen gestures. 'スワイプする' is a general swipe, while 'フリックする' implies a quicker, lighter flick, often used in Japanese flick input keyboards.
Swipe to turn the page.
Flick to select a character.
While 'カードをスワイプする' is understood, 'カードを通す' is the more natural and common expression in Japanese for swiping a card through a reader.
Someone swiped my wallet.
彼は私のチョコをくすねた。
He swiped my chocolate.
猫が私の手をひっかいた。
The cat swiped at my hand.