Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Pull" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "pull", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
ひく
ひく (hiku)
N5 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
けむに巻く
けむにまく (kemunimaku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pull" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ひく and けむに巻く.
In Japanese, ひく (ひく (hiku)) is typically associated with "to pull; to play (string instrument/piano); to draw (a line)" (Syllabus Level: N5) and represents Has multiple meanings depending on context: 'to pull'.
On the other hand, けむに巻く (けむにまく (kemunimaku)) maps to "to pull the wool over someone's eyes; to deceive; to mislead; to confuse" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents An idiom meaning to intentionally confuse or mislead someone, often by speaking vaguely, changing the subject, or presenting a confusing array of facts, so that they cannot grasp the truth or question effectively. Lit. 'to wrap in smoke.'. A literal translation of "pull" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "ひく"
ドアを引いてください。
Please pull the door.
Bilingual Context for "けむに巻く"
彼は質問にはっきり答えず、けむに巻くのが得意だ。
He's good at confusing people by not answering questions clearly.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "ドアを引いてください。" (Meaning: "Please pull the door.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "ひく" fits here because it means "to pull; to play (string instrument/piano); to draw (a line)" in the context of: "Please pull the door.". "けむに巻く" represents "to pull the wool over someone's eyes; to deceive; to mislead; to confuse".