Translation guide
The English word 'click' can refer to a short, sharp sound, the action of pressing a button (especially on a computer), or a moment of sudden understanding or connection. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To press a button on a device, especially a mouse or touchscreen, or to select something on a computer interface.
The most direct and common way to say 'click' in computing contexts. A loanword from English, used as a suru-verb.
このボタンをクリックしてください。
Please click this button.
Click the link and a new page will open.
Used specifically for tapping on a touchscreen, like a smartphone or tablet. Not used for mouse clicks.
アイコンをタップしてアプリを起動してください。
Tap the icon to launch the app.
General verb meaning 'to press' or 'to push'. Can be used for physical buttons, but for computer interfaces 'クリックする' is more precise.
マウスの左ボタンを押してください。
Press the left mouse button.
Means 'to select'. In some interfaces, you might see this instead of 'click', but it's less direct. More formal or technical.
項目を選択してください。
Please select an item.
To produce or describe a light, sharp noise, like a camera shutter, a lock, or heels on a floor.
Onomatopoeia for a single, sharp click sound, like a switch or a lock. Often used with と and a verb like 鳴る or 音がする.
鍵を回すと、カチッと音がした。
When I turned the key, it made a click sound.
スイッチを入れるとカチッと鳴った。
When I flipped the switch, it clicked.
Onomatopoeia for repeated clicking or ticking sounds, like a clock or a pen.
Onomatopoeia for a camera shutter click. Very common for photography.
カメラのシャッターがカシャッと鳴った。
The camera shutter clicked.
Onomatopoeia for light tapping or clicking sounds, like heels on a hard floor or knocking on a door.
To suddenly realize something, or to feel an immediate connection with someone or something.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to have a flash of understanding', 'to click', or 'to resonate'. Often used when something suddenly makes sense.
彼の説明を聞いて、やっとピンときた。
After hearing his explanation, it finally clicked.
このデザインはあまりピンとこない。
This design doesn't really click with me.
Literally 'to fall into the gut', meaning to be convinced or to fully understand and accept something. Slightly more formal than ピンとくる.
Means 'to fit well', 'to feel right', or 'to click' in terms of compatibility or harmony. Used for relationships, ideas, or things that suit you.
彼とは初めて会った時からしっくりきた。
We clicked from the first time we met.
A general verb meaning 'to match' or 'to fit'. Can be used for people getting along well, but less vivid than the idiomatic phrases.
私たちは気が合う。
We click (get along well).
The loanword クリックする is almost exclusively used for mouse clicks or UI interactions. For physical sounds like a lock or a pen, use onomatopoeia like カチッ or カチカチ.
Both mean 'to click' in the sense of understanding, but ピンとくる is more about an intuitive flash of insight, while 腑に落ちる implies logical acceptance and conviction. ピンとくる is more casual and common in speech.
彼はペンをカチカチ鳴らしていた。
He was clicking his pen.
ハイヒールがコツコツと廊下に響いた。
Her high heels clicked on the hallway floor.
その理由を聞いて、ようやく腑に落ちた。
When I heard the reason, it finally clicked (I was convinced).