Translation guide
The English verb "wring" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: twisting to remove liquid, squeezing hands in distress, extracting information or concessions, and causing emotional pain.
To twist and squeeze something wet to force water out.
I wrung out the towel and hung it up.
Emphasizes the action of squeezing something out, often used for extracting liquid or paste from a container.
I squeezed toothpaste out of the tube.
Often used for pressing or squeezing fruits, vegetables, or other materials to extract juice or oil. Can also be used metaphorically.
I squeezed lemons to make lemonade.
To twist and squeeze one's hands together, often from anxiety or grief.
To force someone to give information, money, or a confession through pressure.
Metaphorically 'squeeze out' information, a confession, or money from someone.
The police tried to wring a confession out of the suspect.
To draw out or extract information, often through skillful questioning.
To compel or force someone to do something, including giving up information or money. Stronger and more formal.
To cause great emotional distress, as if twisting the heart.
Both are read しぼる. 絞る is the general term for wringing or squeezing (towels, clothes, etc.), while 搾る is more specific to extracting juice or oil from fruits, seeds, etc. In many contexts, 絞る is acceptable for both.
The phrase '手を絞る' is understood but less common than describing the action or emotion. Often, Japanese expresses the feeling directly (e.g., 心配そうに手をこすり合わせる 'rub one's hands together anxiously').
He paced the room, wringing his hands.
He wrung the secret out of her with clever questions.
They wrung money from him by threatening him.
Her grief wrung the hearts of those who saw her.