Translation guide
The English word 'jab' can refer to a quick punch, a medical injection, or a sharp verbal remark. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning, from casual to formal.
Express a short, straight punch, especially in boxing or a quick strike.
Loanword from English, widely used in boxing and martial arts contexts. Neutral and common.
He threw a quick jab.
Specifically a left straight punch, often equivalent to a jab in boxing. More technical.
左ストレートで相手を牽制する。
He keeps his opponent in check with a jab.
General term for a thrust or punch, used in karate and traditional martial arts. Not specific to boxing jabs.
空手の突きは速い。
Karate jabs are fast.
Refer to an injection given with a syringe, such as a vaccine or medicine.
Standard word for injection. Can be used as a noun or with する (to inject).
インフルエンザの注射を受けた。
I got a flu jab.
医者が腕に注射をした。
The doctor gave me a jab in the arm.
Specifically a vaccination or preventive injection. Common in medical and public health contexts.
Loanword for vaccine. Often used in the context of COVID-19 or flu shots. Can be combined with 接種 (せっしゅ).
Colloquial phrase meaning 'to give/receive an injection'. 打つ (うつ) is commonly used with injections.
昨日、注射を打ってもらった。
I got a jab yesterday.
Express a quick, pointed verbal attack or criticism.
Literally 'sharp criticism'. Natural way to describe a verbal jab.
彼は記者会見で鋭い批判を浴びせた。
He took a jab at the opposition during the press conference.
To make a sarcastic or ironic remark, often a subtle jab.
彼女はいつも皮肉を言う。
She's always making little jabs.
A snide or veiled insult, a dig. More colloquial and implies indirectness.
The loanword ジャブ is only used for the boxing punch. For medical injections, always use 注射 or related terms.
✕ ジャブを打った (for injection)
Incorrect for medical jab
The verb 打つ (うつ) is commonly used with 注射, meaning 'to give/receive a shot'. It's more casual than 受ける (うける).
注射を打つ
to give/get a jab
彼は私の肋骨を軽く突いた。
He gave me a jab in the ribs.
Physical jab not in boxing context; 突く (つく) means to poke or thrust.
インフルエンザの注射を受けないと。
I need to get my flu jab.
彼女は彼のファッションセンスに皮肉を言った。
She made a jab at his fashion sense.
子供は予防接種を受けるべきだ。
Children should get their jabs.
ワクチンを打った。
I got the jab.
それは当てこすりに聞こえた。
That sounded like a jab.