Translation guide
How to express the action of throwing oneself, either physically or metaphorically, in Japanese.
Describing the physical action of throwing one's body somewhere with force or abandon.
Literally 'throw out one's body'. Used for throwing oneself onto a surface like a bed or floor, often with a sense of exhaustion or abandon.
彼はベッドに身を投げ出した。
He threw himself onto the bed.
Means 'to jump into' or 'dive into'. Can be used when throwing oneself into a place or situation with energy.
彼女はソファに飛び込んだ。
She threw herself onto the sofa.
Means 'to collapse into' or 'fall into'. Used when throwing oneself down due to exhaustion or defeat.
彼は疲れてベッドに倒れ込んだ。
He threw himself onto the bed in exhaustion.
Literally 'throw one's body'. Often used in the context of throwing oneself from a height (e.g., suicide) or into a dangerous situation. Can sound dramatic.
Often associated with suicide or self-sacrifice; use with care.
彼は橋から川に身を投げた。
He threw himself from the bridge into the river.
Expressing dedication or immersion in a task, project, or pursuit.
Means 'to devote oneself to' or 'throw oneself into' an activity with passion and concentration.
彼は仕事に打ち込んでいる。
He throws himself into his work.
Means 'to be absorbed in' or 'immerse oneself'. Similar to 打ち込む but emphasizes losing oneself in the activity.
彼女は研究に没頭している。
She throws herself into her research.
Means 'to be enthusiastic about' or 'be crazy about'. Often used for hobbies or interests.
彼はゲームに熱中している。
He throws himself into video games.
Literally 'put one's body into'. Means to put effort or heart into something.
Describing making an overt, often desperate, romantic advance.
Means 'to make advances to' or 'to woo'. Can imply throwing oneself at someone romantically.
彼女は彼に言い寄った。
She threw herself at him.
Means 'to press' or 'to approach aggressively'. Can be used for romantic or other forceful advances.
Can have a negative connotation of being pushy or aggressive.
Literally 'body slam'. Metaphorically means to throw oneself at something with full force, including romantic pursuits.
彼女は体当たりで彼にアタックした。
She threw herself at him with full force.
Expressing the act of surrendering oneself to another's judgment or kindness.
Means 'to cling to mercy'. Used when throwing oneself on someone's mercy.
彼は敵の慈悲にすがった。
He threw himself on the mercy of his enemies.
Similar to 慈悲にすがる, using 情け (sympathy/compassion).
彼女は裁判官の情けにすがった。
She threw herself on the judge's mercy.
Directly translating 'throw oneself' as 自分を投げる (jibun wo nageru) is unnatural and not used. Use the appropriate idiomatic expression for the context.
もっと勉強に身を入れなさい。
Throw yourself into your studies more.
彼は彼女に迫ったが、断られた。
He threw himself at her, but was rejected.