Translation guide
To forcefully drive something in, or to repeatedly emphasize an idea so it is understood or remembered.
To hit something with a hammer or similar tool to force it into a surface.
General verb for hammering or driving something in, such as a nail or stake.
To teach or drill something so thoroughly that it becomes ingrained.
To stress or emphasize something repeatedly in conversation or argument.
打ち込む is the standard verb for driving in nails or stakes. 叩き込む adds a nuance of forceful pounding and is often used for stakes or when emphasizing the action's intensity.
Avoid directly translating 'hammer in' as ハンマーで打ち込む when talking about ideas or knowledge. Use 叩き込む or 教え込む instead.
釘を板に打ち込んだ。
I hammered a nail into the board.
Emphasizes the forceful hitting action; can be used for driving in stakes or nails with strong blows.
杭を地面に叩き込んだ。
I pounded the stake into the ground.
Explicitly mentions using a hammer; more specific but less common in everyday speech.
ハンマーで釘を打ち込んでください。
Please hammer in the nail with a hammer.
Metaphorically 'pound' knowledge into someone; commonly used for rigorous teaching or training.
先生は生徒に基本を叩き込んだ。
The teacher drilled the basics into the students.
To teach thoroughly until it sticks; less forceful than 叩き込む but still implies persistent instruction.
母は私に礼儀を教え込んだ。
My mother instilled good manners in me.
To imprint or indoctrinate; often used for deeply ingrained beliefs or habits, sometimes with a negative connotation.
その思想は幼い頃から刷り込まれた。
That ideology was hammered into me from a young age.
To make sure someone understands by repeating or emphasizing; literally 'press the point'.
彼は約束の時間を念を押した。
He hammered home the appointment time.
To emphasize or stress a point; a more formal or written expression.
彼は安全の重要性を強調した。
He hammered in the importance of safety.
To say something persistently or naggingly; can sound negative if overused.
彼女は同じことをしつこく言った。
She kept hammering in the same point.