引っ掻く
hikkaku[çik̚ka̠kɯ̟]
The English verb "scratch" is translated into Japanese as 引っ掻く (hikkaku).
引っ掻く is used to describe the action of digging or scraping with claws or fingernails, specifically with the intention to injure.
Meaning: dig or scrape with claws or fingernails with the intention to injure (verb)
How do you pronounce it?
hikkaku
Did you know?
- The word 掻く is also used in the phrase 汗を掻く, which means 'to sweat', as if the body is scratching or scraping sweat out of the pores.
- When a cat 'scratches' a post, the action is often described as 爪を研ぐ (tsume o togu), which literally means 'to sharpen one's claws'.
- While 引っ掻く implies an intent to injure or a harsh action, Japanese uses a completely different word, 掻く, when you are simply scratching an itch.
Examples in context
- 猫がソファを引っかいたThe cat scratched the sofa.
- かゆいところをかいたら、肌が赤くなったWhen I scratched the itchy spot, my skin turned red.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 引っ掻く, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
