Translation guide
The English word "thrust" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: physical pushing/shoving, inserting something into a space, the main point of an argument, and a few specialized senses.
To push someone or something with a sudden, strong movement, often with a hand or body.
General verb for poking, prodding, or thrusting. Can be used for a quick, sharp push.
彼は私の背中を突いた。
He thrust me in the back.
Means 'push' in general. For a forceful thrust, it can be used with adverbs like 強く (strongly).
She thrust the door open.
To thrust someone away forcefully, often causing them to stagger or fall.
He thrust his opponent away.
To put something into a container, opening, or tight space with a quick or forceful motion.
To thrust something into something else, often casually or forcefully. Very common in daily speech.
He thrust his hands into his pockets.
To insert or thrust something into a slot, gap, or opening. Slightly more formal than 突っ込む.
To push or cram something into a space, often implying force or tightness.
The central idea or essential meaning of what someone is saying.
The force or energy that pushes something forward, often used metaphorically.
A quick forward movement with a pointed weapon like a sword or knife.
All three mean 'to thrust/insert', but with different nuances. 突っ込む is casual and implies a quick, sometimes careless motion. 差し込む is for inserting into a designated slot or gap, like a card or key. 押し込む emphasizes cramming or forcing something into a tight space.
thrust hands into pockets (casual)
insert a key (into a keyhole)
cram clothes into a bag
English 'thrust' often implies a sudden, sharp, or forceful push. In Japanese, 押す (push) is more general. Use 突く or 突っ込む when you want to emphasize the suddenness or force. Using 押す alone might sound too weak for a 'thrust'.
She thrust the book into her bag.
カードを差し込んでください。
Please thrust the card into the slot.
彼はスーツケースに服を押し込んだ。
He thrust his clothes into the suitcase.
Please explain the thrust of the proposal.
It becomes the thrust for reform.
エンジンの推力を測定する。
Measure the thrust of the engine.
The criminal thrust a knife into him.