Translation guide
The English verb 'poke' covers a range of actions from a quick jab with a finger to prodding something with a stick. Japanese uses different verbs depending on the body part, tool, and intent.
To jab or prod someone or something with a finger, elbow, or a pointed object, often to get attention or as a playful gesture.
The most common and general verb for poking with a finger or a stick. Can be used for playful pokes or prodding something.
彼は私の肩をつついた。
He poked my shoulder.
猫が私の足をつついてきた。
The cat poked my leg.
A more forceful jab or thrust, often with a stick or a sharp object. Can imply a stronger, more deliberate action than つつく.
彼は棒で地面を突いた。
He poked the ground with a stick.
Describes a light, repeated poking, often with a fingertip. The onomatopoeia ちょんちょん adds a cute or playful nuance.
赤ちゃんが私のほっぺをちょんちょんとつついた。
The baby poked my cheek lightly.
To pierce or make a hole in something by poking, often with a sharp object.
Literally 'to open a hole'. The most natural way to say 'poke a hole' in Japanese.
爪楊枝で紙に穴を開けた。
I poked a hole in the paper with a toothpick.
To stab or pierce through something. Implies a more violent or forceful action than just making a hole.
To cause something to protrude or appear briefly from an opening.
The general verb 'to put out'. Used with body parts like head (頭を出す) or tongue (舌を出す).
彼は窓から顔を出した。
He poked his head out the window.
猫が箱から頭を出している。
The cat is poking its head out of the box.
To let something peek out or show briefly. Often used when something is partially visible.
To tease or make fun of someone in a light-hearted way.
The most common verb for teasing or making fun of someone playfully.
彼はいつも私のことをからかう。
He always pokes fun at me.
To tease or mess with someone, often in a friendly way. Can also mean to tinker with something.
To search or look around in a nosy or casual manner.
To poke around, often implying snooping or searching for information.
彼は部屋の中を探り回っていた。
He was poking around the room.
To pry or inquire into someone's affairs. More formal and often negative.
彼は私の過去を詮索した。
He poked into my past.
The specific action of sending a 'poke' on Facebook or similar platforms.
The English word 'poke' is borrowed directly and used as a suru-verb. Commonly understood among social media users.
彼がFacebookで私をpokeしてきた。
He poked me on Facebook.
Literally 'send a poke'. Another way to describe the action.
友達にpokeを送った。
I sent a poke to my friend.
While つつく can mean to poke, it does not imply making a hole. Use 穴を開ける or 突き刺す when you mean to pierce something.
つつく is a lighter, often repeated poking. 突く is a single, more forceful thrust. For playful pokes, つつく is better.
He poked the box with a knife (piercing it).
He poked his face through the gap in the curtain.
My friend poked fun at my mistake.