Translation guide
The English word 'pound' has several distinct meanings: a unit of weight, a unit of currency, the action of hitting repeatedly, and a place for stray animals. Each meaning requires a different Japanese expression.
To refer to the imperial unit of weight equal to about 0.45 kg.
The standard loanword for the pound as a unit of weight. Used in all contexts.
この荷物は5ポンドあります。
This package weighs 5 pounds.
To refer to the British pound sterling or other pound currencies.
The standard term for the British pound. Often used with the symbol £ or the word スターリング for clarity.
ロンドンで100ポンド使った。
I spent 100 pounds in London.
To describe hitting something hard and repeatedly, often with fists or a heavy object.
General verb for hitting or pounding. Can be used for doors, tables, etc.
彼は怒って机を叩いた。
He pounded the desk in anger.
To pound or strike against something forcefully. Often used for waves or fists.
Onomatopoeic expression for pounding loudly, like on a door.
誰かがドアをドンドン叩いている。
Someone is pounding on the door.
To describe a heart beating hard or fast due to emotion or exertion.
Onomatopoeic expression for a pounding heart, often from excitement or nervousness.
緊張で心臓がドキドキしている。
My heart is pounding with nervousness.
Literary or dramatic term for a heart pounding with emotion.
期待に胸が高鳴る。
My heart pounds with anticipation.
To describe crushing something into small pieces or powder, like with a pestle.
To grind or pound into powder or paste, often with a mortar and pestle.
ゴマをすり鉢ですり潰す。
Pound sesame seeds in a mortar.
To pulverize or crush into powder, more technical or forceful.
機械で岩を粉砕する。
The machine pounds rocks into powder.
To refer to a place where stray or lost animals are kept.
General term for an animal shelter or rescue facility. Often specified as 動物保護施設.
迷子の犬は保護施設に連れて行かれた。
The stray dog was taken to the pound.
Specifically a dog pound.
その犬は犬保護施設から引き取られた。
The dog was adopted from the pound.
Both the weight unit and the currency are 'ポンド' in Japanese. Context usually makes it clear, but if needed, specify '重さのポンド' (pound of weight) or 'お金のポンド' (pound of money).
For hitting repeatedly, '叩く' is the most common. '打ち付ける' implies forceful impact against a surface. 'ドンドン叩く' emphasizes the loud sound.
波が岩に打ち付けている。
The waves are pounding against the rocks.