Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Hit" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "hit", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
打つ
うつ (utsu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
ぶつける
ぶつける (butsukeru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "hit" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 打つ and ぶつける.
In Japanese, 打つ (うつ (utsu)) is typically associated with "to hit, to strike, to type, to shoot (a photo)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents A versatile verb with many uses. Can mean to hit something physically, to type on a keyboard, to take a photo, to hit a ball, to inject.
On the other hand, ぶつける (ぶつける (butsukeru)) maps to "to hit, to strike, to throw (against), to hurl; to express (anger, opinion)" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Can be physical. A literal translation of "hit" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "打つ"
彼はボールを強く打った。
He hit the ball hard.
Bilingual Context for "ぶつける"
彼は怒りを壁にぶつけた。
He vented his anger on the wall.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼はボールを強く打った。" (Meaning: "He hit the ball hard.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "打つ" fits here because it means "to hit, to strike, to type, to shoot (a photo)" in the context of: "He hit the ball hard.". "ぶつける" represents "to hit, to strike, to throw (against), to hurl; to express (anger, opinion)".