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
引く
ひく (hiku)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "pull" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between ひく and 引く.
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, 引く (ひく (hiku)) maps to "to pull" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Used for pulling objects, drawing lines, or attracting attention. 対義語は「押す」です。. 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 "引く"
このドアは引いてください。
Please pull this door.
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.". "引く" represents "to pull".