Translation guide
The act of striking with a fist. In Japanese, the most common word is パンチ, but there are also native verbs like 殴る and compound verbs for specific types of punches.
To hit someone or something with a closed fist.
Loanword from English, used as a noun or with する to mean 'to punch'. Very common in casual speech and sports contexts.
彼は私にパンチをした。
He punched me.
ボクシングでパンチを練習する。
I practice punching in boxing.
The most common native verb meaning 'to punch' or 'to strike'. Used for hitting people or things with a fist. Can sound violent.
彼は相手を殴った。
He punched his opponent.
壁を殴らないでください。
Please don't punch the wall.
Formal noun meaning 'punch' or 'blow'. Often used in legal or news contexts. Can be used with する.
容疑者は被害者に殴打を加えた。
The suspect punched the victim.
Referring to a specific punching technique in boxing, karate, etc.
In martial arts like karate, this means a straight punch or thrust. Often used in compound terms.
空手の突きを練習する。
I practice karate punches.
正拳突きは基本です。
The straight punch is fundamental.
Also used in boxing and MMA contexts for various punches (jab, hook, etc.).
ジャブは軽いパンチです。
A jab is a light punch.
To create a hole by punching, e.g., with a tool or machine.
General phrase meaning 'to make a hole'. Can be used for punching holes with a tool.
紙に穴を開ける。
Punch a hole in the paper.
ベルトに穴を開けてもらえますか？
Can you punch a hole in this belt?
Used specifically for hole-punching tools. Often in office contexts.
この書類をパンチしてください。
Please punch holes in these documents.
To enter data by pressing keys or buttons, e.g., punching a code or clocking in.
General verb for 'input' or 'enter' data. Not specific to punching, but natural for keying in numbers.
暗証番号を入力してください。
Please punch in your PIN.
Verb meaning 'to hit' or 'to type'. Can be used for typing or keying in data.
キーを打つ。
Punch the keys.
Specifically for punching a time clock or stamping attendance.
タイムカードに打刻する。
Punch in on the time card.
殴る is the native verb and can sound more violent or physical. パンチ is a loanword and is common in sports, casual talk, and metaphorical uses (e.g., 'punch line'). In everyday speech about fighting, both are used, but 殴る is more direct.
While パンチする is understood, it can sound a bit awkward in some contexts. For physical punching, 殴る is often more natural. For hole punching, 穴を開ける is clearer than パンチする unless referring to a specific tool.