Translation guide
The English word "scratch" covers several distinct actions and concepts. This guide breaks them down into practical meanings for learners, from physically scraping a surface to starting from nothing, with natural Japanese equivalents for each.
To use nails, claws, or a sharp object to scrape or rub a surface, often causing a mark or relieving an itch.
The most common verb for scratching an itch or scraping with nails. Transitive; the object is the body part or itchy spot.
蚊に刺されたところをかいた。
I scratched the mosquito bite.
背中をかいてくれませんか。
Could you scratch my back?
To scratch with force, often leaving a mark or wound. Used for cats, sharp objects, or a more violent scratch.
猫に手をひっかかれた。
I got scratched by a cat.
枝で顔をひっかいてしまった。
I accidentally scratched my face on a branch.
Kanji form of ひっかく. Same meaning but more common in writing.
猫が柱を引っ掻く。
The cat scratches the post.
To accidentally or deliberately create a thin, shallow mark or cut on a surface like skin, furniture, or a car.
General phrase meaning 'to damage' or 'to scratch' a surface. Works for cars, furniture, skin, etc.
車に傷をつけてしまった。
I scratched the car.
テーブルに傷をつけないでください。
Please don't scratch the table.
A noun meaning 'scratch' or 'graze' on skin. Often used for minor injuries.
Specifically a 'scratch' or 'abrasion' from rubbing against something. More medical/technical.
To decide not to proceed with something planned, or to remove an item from a list or competition.
To cancel, revoke, or scratch something like a plan, order, or statement.
旅行の予定を取り消した。
I scratched my travel plans.
彼は前言を取り消した。
He scratched his previous statement.
To delete or remove from a list, document, or digital content. Common for 'scratch' in computing contexts.
リストから彼の名前を削除した。
I scratched his name from the list.
Casual way to say 'scratch that' or 'call off' an informal plan.
To begin a project or process without any prior preparation or advantage.
Literally 'from zero'. The most direct and common way to say 'from scratch'.
この会社をゼロから立ち上げた。
I built this company from scratch.
ゼロから日本語を勉強する。
I'm learning Japanese from scratch.
Literally 'from one'. Similar to ゼロから, but implies starting from the very first step. Slightly more traditional.
一からやり直す。
Start over from scratch.
Literally 'from a blank sheet state'. Emphasizes a clean slate, often used in creative or planning contexts.
企画を白紙の状態から練り直す。
Rework the plan from scratch.
To produce a rough, scraping noise, or the sound itself.
Onomatopoeia for a scratching, scraping, or crunching sound. Can be used as an adverb or noun.
犬がドアをガリガリひっかいている。
The dog is scratching at the door (with a scratching sound).
ガリガリという音が聞こえた。
I heard a scratching sound.
Onomatopoeia for a lighter scratching or rustling sound, like a pen or small claws.
To rub or scrape skin to relieve an itch.
Same as the first meaning, but specifically for itching. The most natural verb.
かゆいところをかく。
Scratch where it itches.
Literally 'remove the itch'. More about relieving the sensation than the action of scratching.
この薬はかゆみを取ってくれる。
This medicine relieves the itch (stops you needing to scratch).
The loanword スクラッチ (sukuratchi) is used in Japanese for 'scratch' in contexts like lottery tickets (スクラッチくじ) or DJ scratching, but not for scratching an itch or a surface. Use かく or ひっかく instead.
スクラッチくじを買った。
I bought a scratch card.
かく is the general verb for scratching an itch or lightly scraping. ひっかく implies a stronger, often damaging scratch, like from claws or a sharp object. Use ひっかく when a visible mark or wound is left.
転んで、ひざにかすり傷ができた。
I fell and got a scratch on my knee.
You should disinfect the scratch.
Let's scratch tomorrow's drinking party.
猫がカリカリと壁をかく。
The cat scratches the wall with a light scratching sound.