Translation guide
The English word 'tossing' can refer to several actions: throwing something lightly or casually, moving restlessly in bed, mixing food by lifting and turning, or flipping a coin. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each of these meanings.
To throw something with a light, casual motion, often underhand or without much force.
General verb for 'throw'. Can be used for tossing something lightly, but often implies a more deliberate throw. For very casual tossing, other options may be more natural.
彼はボールを軽く投げた。
He tossed the ball lightly.
Means 'to throw' or 'to fling', often casually or carelessly. Can be used for tossing something aside or to someone.
鍵をテーブルに放った。
He tossed the keys onto the table.
An onomatopoeic expression for tossing something lightly or carelessly, often with a flick of the wrist.
ゴミをぽいと投げた。
He tossed the trash (carelessly).
To turn and move around in bed, unable to sleep or get comfortable.
Literally 'to strike a turn in sleep'. The standard expression for tossing and turning in bed.
一晩中寝返りを打っていた。
I was tossing and turning all night.
Emphasizes doing nothing but turning over in bed, implying restlessness.
暑くて寝返りばかりしていた。
It was so hot I kept tossing and turning.
To mix ingredients, especially salad, by gently lifting and turning them over.
To dress or toss (salad, noodles, etc.) with sauce or dressing. The standard culinary term.
サラダをドレッシングで和える。
Toss the salad with dressing.
To mix together. More general than 和える, can be used for tossing ingredients together.
To throw a coin into the air to decide something by chance.
Literally 'throw a coin'. The most common way to say 'toss a coin'.
コインを投げて決めよう。
Let's toss a coin to decide.
Uses the English loanword 'coin toss'. Common in casual contexts.
コイントスで先攻を決める。
Decide who goes first by tossing a coin.
野菜とドレッシングを混ぜ合わせる。
Toss the vegetables and dressing together.