Translation guide
The English word 'drag' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: pulling something along a surface, moving something on a computer screen, a boring or tedious thing, and a type of performance. It does not cover every possible translation.
To pull something or someone along the ground or another surface, often with difficulty or resistance.
The most common and general verb for dragging something along the ground. Can be used for physical objects and metaphorically for lingering feelings or problems.
彼は重いスーツケースを引きずっていた。
He was dragging a heavy suitcase.
その問題をいつまでも引きずってはいけない。
You shouldn't drag that problem on forever.
Means 'to pull' in general, but can be used for dragging when the focus is on pulling something along. Often implies a more forceful or continuous pulling action.
犬がリードを引っ張って歩いている。
The dog is walking while dragging the leash.
Kanji variant of 引きずる. Same meaning but less common in everyday writing. Often seen in literary contexts.
裾を引き摺る着物
a kimono that drags its hem
To move an item on a screen by clicking and holding while moving the mouse or finger.
The standard loanword used in computing contexts. Universally understood.
ファイルをフォルダにドラッグしてください。
Please drag the file into the folder.
The full phrase 'drag and drop'. Very common in instructions.
アイコンをドラッグ＆ドロップで移動できます。
You can move icons by drag and drop.
Something that is dull, boring, or tedious; a chore.
A general way to say 'a boring thing'. Not a direct translation of 'drag', but conveys the meaning naturally.
その会議は本当に退屈なものだった。
That meeting was a real drag.
An adjective meaning 'troublesome' or 'a pain'. Often used to describe tasks that feel like a drag.
毎日の通勤が面倒くさい。
The daily commute is a drag.
Slang for feeling sluggish or that something is a drag. Often used by younger people.
Entertainment where performers dress in clothing typically associated with another gender, often exaggerated.
The loanword used specifically for drag performance culture. The small ァ is often used to approximate the English 'a' sound.
彼はドラァグクイーンとして有名だ。
He is famous as a drag queen.
Literally 'female attire', used for cross-dressing in general. Not specific to performance, but can be used in context.
彼は女装して舞台に立った。
He stood on stage in drag.
The loanword ドラッグ is only used for computing or drug contexts. Using it to mean 'a boring thing' will cause confusion. Use 退屈 or 面倒くさい instead.
引きずる emphasizes the object being in contact with the ground and the difficulty of moving it. 引っ張る is a more general 'pull' and can be used for dragging when the focus is on the pulling force rather than the friction.
I don't want to do anything today. It's a drag.