Translation guide
The English word "pinch" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: physically squeezing something, a small amount of something, and the idiomatic "in a pinch" (emergency situation).
To squeeze a part of someone's body or something between your fingers, or to be squeezed by something like a door or tool.
The most common verb for pinching someone's skin, usually with fingers. Often used for playful or painful pinches.
弟が私の腕をつねった。
My younger brother pinched my arm.
痛い！つねらないで！
Ouch! Don't pinch me!
Means 'to pinch' or 'to get caught' when something is squeezed between two objects, like a door or a tool. Not used for pinching with fingers.
ドアに指を挟んだ。
I pinched my finger in the door.
トングで氷を挟んでください。
Please pinch the ice with tongs.
Means to pick up or hold something small with fingertips, like a pinch of salt. It's more about grasping delicately than squeezing painfully.
塩をひとつまみ入れてください。
Add a pinch of salt.
彼は花びらをつまんだ。
He pinched a petal.
A very small quantity of something, especially a powder or granular substance.
Literally 'one pinch', this is the standard way to say 'a pinch' as a small amount, especially in cooking.
砂糖をひとつまみ加えます。
Add a pinch of sugar.
A more formal or general term for 'a small amount'. Not specifically 'a pinch', but can be used in similar contexts.
In an emergency or when no other option is available; as a last resort.
Means 'in an emergency' or 'when it comes down to it'. Commonly used for 'in a pinch' situations.
いざという時は、これを使ってください。
In a pinch, use this.
A more formal term for 'emergency'. Can be used in written instructions or official contexts.
Literally 'if something happens', used for hypothetical emergencies or contingencies.
もしもの時は、この電話番号に連絡してください。
In a pinch, call this number.
つねる is only for pinching skin. For pinching an object between two surfaces, use 挟む (はさむ). For picking up something small with fingertips, use つまむ.
少量の塩で味を調えます。
Season with a pinch of salt.
緊急時にはこのボタンを押してください。
In a pinch, press this button.