JLPT N1・N3・N4 Vocabulary – Difference between “殴る” “叩く” and “打つ”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “殴る” “叩く” and “打つ”
2. 殴る
3. 叩く
4. 打つ
5. Summary
6. Similer Articles
7. Comment
Q: “殴る” “叩く” “打つ” all translate to “hit” in English, but are there differences in meaning?
A: While all three share the basic idea of “applying force to something,” they differ in nuance and the situations in which they are used.
殴る (JLPT N1)
[Meaning]
To strike someone violently and forcefully with a fist or an object.
[Examples]
男は突然怒って、相手を殴りました。
The man suddenly got angry and hit the other person.
ボクサーは試合中に相手と強く殴り合います。
The boxers hit each other hard during the match.
“殴る” is a verb that implies the strongest force and the most aggressive nuance compared to “叩く” and “打つ.” It is commonly used in combat sports like boxing, where the goal is to defeat the opponent. In everyday situations, it often appears in contexts involving fights or violence, strongly expressing the anger or aggression of the person performing the action.
[Examples]
ボクシングは敵を殴って倒すスポーツです。
Boxing is a sport where you hit your opponent to knock them down.
怒りが抑えきれず、思わず相手を殴ってしまいました。
Unable to control my anger, I ended up hitting the other person without thinking.
大変です！あそこで男の人たちが喧嘩をして、殴り合っています。
This is serious! Those men over there are fighting and hitting each other.
叩く (JLPT N3)
[Meaning]
To lightly apply impact to an object using a hand or a tool.
[Examples]
友達が前を歩いていたので、肩を叩いて呼び止めました。
Since my friend was walking ahead of me, I tapped them on the shoulder to get their attention.
ドアを叩いて、中の人を呼びました。
I knocked on the door and called out to the person inside.
ドラムを叩くのが趣味です。
Playing the drums is my hobby.
“叩く” does not involve as much force as “殴る” and is used for actions that apply relatively light impact to something, often producing sound or vibration.
This verb can be used both for affectionate physical contact and for actions accompanied by feelings of anger.
However, it generally carries a less violent impression and can even feel gentle depending on the situation.
[Examples]
ぼんやり窓の外を見ている後輩の頭を、持っていた本で軽く叩きました。(friendly touch)
I lightly tapped the head of my junior, who was absentmindedly gazing out the window, with the book I was holding.
子どもが反省しないので、思わず頬を叩いてしまいました。(feeling of anger)
My child showed no signs of reflection, so I ended up slapping his cheek.
“叩く” is also commonly used with parts of the body (especially the shoulder) or surfaces of objects (such as doors or windows), and it often serves the purpose of getting someone’s attention or signaling them.
[Examples]
イヤホンをしていて気がつかない友達の肩を叩きました。
I tapped my friend on the shoulder because they didn’t notice me while wearing earphones.
コンコンと窓を叩いたら、中の人がこちらに気づいてくれました。
When I knocked lightly on the window, the person inside noticed me.
打つ (JLPT N4)
[Meaning]
① To apply force to something like a ball using the foot or an object to make it fly
② To strongly hit part of one’s body against something
③ [Figurative] To deeply move or impress someone emotionally
[Examples]
あの選手がバットでボールを打つ姿は、とてもかっこいい。（①）
The way that player hits the ball with a bat is really cool.
事故のとき、頭を強く打ちました。（②）
I hit my head hard during the accident.
これは本当に心を打つ作品です。（③）
This is a truly moving piece of work.
“打つ” is a broad verb that describes actions involving applying force to something using a tool or the body.
It is used in a wide range of situations, from concrete physical actions to figurative expressions.
① Hitting a ball or object (sports)
This usage appears in ball sports such as baseball, soccer, and golf, where force is applied to a ball using the foot or a tool.
[Examples]
サッカー選手が強いシュートを打ちました。
The soccer player took a powerful shot.
ホームランを打つのは簡単ではないよ。
Hitting a home run is not easy.
② Hitting part of the body against something
“打つ” is also used when a part of the body strikes a hard object due to an accident or carelessness.
[Examples]
自転車から落ちて、地面に腰を強く打ちました。
I fell off my bicycle and hit my lower back hard on the ground.
頭を打って、たんこぶができちゃったよ。
I hit my head and ended up with a bump.
③ Striking the heart (figurative expression)
“心を打つ” is a figurative expression used to describe something that deeply moves or touches a person’s heart.
[Examples]
子どもたちの真剣なまなざしが、私の心を打ちました。
The children’s serious expressions touched my heart.
被災地の人々が助け合う姿に、心を打たれました。
I was deeply moved by how people in the disaster-stricken area helped one another.
In addition, “打つ” is also used in certain set expressions, such as the following:
To type a message/email: To type or input text
[Example] 友達にすぐLINEを打ちました。
I quickly sent a LINE message to my friend.
To have an injection/vaccine: To administer an injection in a medical context
[Example] 毎年インフルエンザの予防接種を打っています。
I get a flu shot every year.
Summary
| Meanin | Key Points | Common Usage Scenes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 殴る | To strike someone violently with a fist or object | ・Strongly violent and aggressive nuance ・Among the three verbs, this implies the most force and intimidation | ・Combat sports like boxing ・Violent acts such as fights |
| 叩く | To hit lightly with a hand or object | ・Applies lighter force compared to “殴る” ・Can be used for physical contact (e.g., communication or signals) ・Less aggressive even in violent contexts | ・To lightly tap for attention (e.g., tapping someone’s shoulder) ・To make noise (e.g., on a door or window) ・Light physical contact or mild discipline scenes |
| 打つ | ① To strike a ball with the foot or an object ② To hit one’s body against something ③ To affect the heart deeply (figuratively) | ・Broadly covers actions involving “applying force” ・Often used in set phrases and figurative expressions | ・Ball sports like baseball and soccer ・When part of the body hits a surface ・Figurative usage such as “to be moved” ・Set phrases like “send a message” or “get a shot” |
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