godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
Broad physical action of pushing a pointed or narrow object against something. Covers poking, prodding, stabbing, and thrusting. Common in everyday contexts.
指で彼の背中を突いた。
I poked his back with my finger.
槍で敵
Thrust at the enemy with a spear.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
use a cane; prop oneself up; press against
Used when leaning on a stick, cane, or pressing something against a surface for support. Often with 杖 (cane) or 床 (floor).
おじいさんは杖を突いて歩いている。
The old man walks using a cane.
床に手を突いて謝った。
He pressed his hands against the floor and apologized.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
Figurative or direct attack; often used in set phrases like 不意を突く (take by surprise) or 弱点を突く (exploit a weakness).
敵の弱点を突く作戦を立てた。
We devised a strategy to attack the enemy's weak point.
godan verb (-ku), transitive verb
Only when written 衝く
Used when braving bad weather, especially rain or wind. Common in literary or formal contexts; 衝く is often used for this sense.
彼は雨を衝いて出かけた。
He went out braving the rain.