打つ
utsu[ɯ̟t͡sɨ]
To hit in Japanese is expressed as 打つ (utsu). Wiktionary also lists 叩く (tataku).
Meaning: to administer a blow (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 打つ | utsu | [ɯ̟t͡sɨ] (narrow) [bɯ̟t͡sɨ] (narrow) |
| 叩く | tataku | [ta̠ta̠kɯ̟] (narrow) [ha̠ta̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
Native verbs like 打つ and 叩く describe the physical action of administering a blow, while the loanword ヒット is used specifically for a baseball hit or a successful 'hit' song. For a physical impact or collision, nouns such as 一撃 (a blow or punch) or 衝突 (a collision) are used. You may also encounter the onomatopoeia ズシン to describe the sound of a heavy thump.
Which one should you use?
打つ (utsu) is the preferred verb when talking about hitting a nail, typing on a keyboard or hitting one's head against something.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense of 打つ is 打った (utta).
How do you pronounce it?
utsu
Did you know?
- The word 打つ comes from an ancient root in Proto-Japonic that is cognate with the word utsï in the Miyako language.
- In Japanese, 叩く can describe 'hitting' a person, but it is also used for the act of clapping your hands.
- The verb 叩く is often used metaphorically in modern Japanese to describe 'bashing' or harshly criticizing someone on social media.
Examples in context
- 人を叩くのはよくないよ。It's not nice to hit people.This sentence shows the use of 叩く regarding the morality of hitting people.Tatoeba #10157895 by small_snow, translation #10157766 by CK
- 人を叩くのは感心しないな。It isn't nice to hit people.Tatoeba #10157897 by small_snow, translation #10158663 by CK
- 歩道で滑って、危うく頭を打つところだった。I slipped on the pavement and nearly hit my head.This sentence shows the use of 打つ regarding hitting one's head.Tatoeba #11584147 by small_snow, translation #11201150 by sundown
- 野球選手がボールを打ちました。 (Yakyū senshu ga bōru o uchimashita.)The baseball player hit the ball.
- 彼女は私の心を打った。 (Kanojo wa watashi no kokoro o utta.)She touched my heart.
- 車同士が衝突しました。 (Kuruma dōshi ga shōtotsu shimashita.)The cars collided.
- 彼は友達にぶたれた。 (Kare wa tomodachi ni butareta.)He got hit by a friend.
- 彼はふざけていたので、友達にぶん殴られた。 (Kare wa fuzakete ita node, tomodachi ni bun nagurareta.)He was fooling around and got punched by a friend.
- ボールを打ちます。 (Bōru o uchimasu.)I will hit the ball.
- 心に響く言葉 (Kokoro ni hibiku kotoba)Words that hit the heart.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A baseball practice session at a local park.
- 陽葵 Himariボールをしっかり打つことが大切だよ。Booru o shikkari utsu koto ga taisetsu da yo.It is important to hit the ball firmly.
- 健太 Kentaはい、練習します。Hai, renshuu shimasu.Yes, I will practice.
- 陽葵 Himari健太くん、もっと遠くまで打てるよ。Kenta-kun, motto tooku made uteru yo.Kenta, you can hit it further.
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます、頑張ります！Arigatou gozaimasu, ganbarimasu!Thank you, I'll do my best!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hit” translations and entries 打つ, 叩く, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 叩く, 打つ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
