Translation guide
The English verb "mash" refers to crushing or pressing something into a soft, uniform mass, especially food. This guide covers common Japanese ways to express mashing, from cooking to general crushing.
To crush cooked food into a smooth or lumpy paste, typically with a tool.
General verb for crushing or mashing something into a paste or flat shape. Commonly used for potatoes, beans, fruits, etc.
じゃがいもをつぶしてマッシュポテトを作る。
I mash potatoes to make mashed potatoes.
Loanword from English, used specifically for making mashed potatoes or similar dishes. Common in recipes.
ゆでたじゃがいもをマッシュする。
Mash the boiled potatoes.
To grind or mash into a fine paste, often using a mortar or grinder. Used for sesame seeds, nuts, etc.
ごまをすりつぶしてペーストにする。
Grind sesame seeds into a paste.
To crush something soft with your hands or fingers, often playfully or carelessly.
Same verb as above, but can be used for mashing with hands. Context clarifies the method.
子どもが粘土を手でつぶした。
The child mashed the clay with their hands.
To make something messy or squishy by mashing or crushing. Often used for food or soft objects.
ケーキをぐちゃぐちゃにしないで。
Don't mash the cake.
To press a button or key forcefully or repeatedly, often in frustration or gaming.
To hit a button repeatedly and rapidly. Common in gaming contexts.
ボタンを連打して敵を倒した。
I mashed the button to defeat the enemy.
To press down hard, crushing something. Can be used for buttons, but implies a single forceful press rather than repeated mashing.
彼は怒ってキーボードを押しつぶした。
He angrily mashed the keyboard.
To press something into another substance, mixing or embedding it.
To knead or mix something into a dough or paste. Used in baking or cooking.
バターを小麦粉に練り込む。
Mash the butter into the flour.
To push or cram something into a space or substance. Can imply mashing it in.
つぶす is general mashing or crushing, resulting in a chunky or smooth texture. すりつぶす implies grinding into a very fine paste, often with a tool like a mortar.
In gaming, "mash a button" is not translated as ボタンをつぶす (which means physically crushing the button). Use 連打する for rapid pressing.
Mash garlic into the meat to flavor it.