Translation guide
The English word 'pat' can be a noun (a light tap) or a verb (to tap lightly). This guide covers how to express these actions and related concepts naturally in Japanese.
To gently tap someone or something with an open hand, often as a gesture of affection, comfort, or to get attention.
The most common way to say 'pat' as a verb. ポン is an onomatopoeia for a light tapping sound, and 叩く means 'to hit/tap'. Together they describe a gentle pat.
彼は私の肩をポンと叩いた。
He patted me on the shoulder.
I patted the child on the head and praised them.
Literally 'to hit lightly'. A more general way to describe a light tap, without the onomatopoeia. Can be used for patting, but also for other light strikes.
背中を軽く叩いて励ました。
I patted him on the back to encourage him.
Means 'to stroke' or 'to pet'. While not exactly a pat, it can be used when the action is more of a gentle, repeated stroking motion rather than a single tap. Often used for petting animals or soothing someone.
Use only when the action involves a stroking motion, not a single tap.
犬の頭を撫でた。
I patted the dog's head. (more like stroked)
Referring to the action itself as a noun, e.g., 'give a pat'.
Nominalization of the verb phrase. Literally 'the act of doing pon'. Used to describe the action of patting.
彼は私の背中にポンとすることをくれた。
He gave me a pat on the back.
Literally 'a light hit'. A more formal or written way to refer to a pat as a noun.
肩に軽い一打を感じた。
I felt a light pat on my shoulder.
To shape or flatten something by patting it with the hands, e.g., patting dough or clay.
Means 'to flatten by hitting'. Used when patting something to make it flat, like dough or a sandcastle.
パン生地を叩いて平らにした。
I patted the bread dough flat.
Literally 'to press with hands and shape'. A more descriptive phrase for patting something into a desired shape.
粘土を手で押さえて形を整えた。
I patted the clay into shape.
To dry something by gently pressing with a cloth or paper, e.g., patting your face dry.
Means 'to gently press and remove moisture'. The natural way to describe patting something dry without rubbing.
タオルで顔を軽く押さえて水気を取った。
I patted my face dry with a towel.
Uses the onomatopoeia ポンポン for repeated light pats, combined with 拭く (to wipe). Conveys a gentle dabbing motion.
こぼした水を布でポンポンと拭いた。
I patted up the spilled water with a cloth.
To give praise or encouragement, often metaphorically.
Literally 'to push someone's back'. A common idiom meaning to encourage or support someone, similar to 'a pat on the back'.
彼の言葉が私の背中を押してくれた。
His words gave me a pat on the back (encouraged me).
Simply means 'to praise'. Can be used when the 'pat on the back' is purely verbal.
上司に褒められて嬉しかった。
I was happy to get a pat on the back from my boss.
To congratulate oneself; to feel self-satisfaction.
A common phrase meaning 'to praise oneself'. Equivalent to 'patting oneself on the back'.
成功を自画自賛した。
I patted myself on the back for the success.
Literally 'to praise oneself'. A simpler, more direct way to express the idea.
たまには自分を褒めてもいいよね。
It's okay to pat yourself on the back once in a while.
ポンと叩く is more vivid and colloquial, emphasizing the light, playful sound. 軽く叩く is more neutral and can be used in any context, but may sound slightly more formal or written.
友達の肩をポンと叩いた。
I gave my friend a pat on the shoulder. (casual)
患者の背中を軽く叩いて検査した。
The doctor lightly tapped the patient's back for examination. (neutral/medical)
English often uses 'give a pat' as a noun phrase. In Japanese, it's more natural to use the verb phrase ポンと叩く or describe the action. Direct translations like パット (katakana) are not commonly used for this meaning.
彼は私の頭をポンと叩いた。
He gave me a pat on the head. (natural Japanese)