Translation guide
The English word 'swipe' has several distinct meanings: a sweeping motion (often with the hand or an object), a sliding gesture on a touchscreen, stealing something quickly, or passing a card through a reader. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each of these uses.
To slide a finger across a screen to navigate, unlock, or interact with a device.
The most direct and common way to say 'swipe' in the context of touchscreens. It's a loanword from English and widely understood.
画面をスワイプしてロックを解除してください。
Please swipe the screen to unlock it.
Swipe left to go back to the previous page.
Literally 'trace with a finger'. Used in instructions or descriptions, especially when emphasizing the motion rather than the action.
画面を指でなぞって文字を入力します。
Swipe your finger across the screen to input characters.
Specifically refers to a quick, light flick or swipe, often used in Japanese input methods (flick input). More technical.
フリック入力で文字を打つ。
Type characters using flick input.
To pass a card through a magnetic stripe reader.
The standard expression for swiping a card through a reader. '通す' means 'to pass through'.
ここにカードを通してください。
Please swipe your card here.
クレジットカードを通して支払います。
I'll pay by swiping my credit card.
Also used, especially in contexts where English loanwords are common, but 'カードを通す' is more natural in everyday Japanese.
カードをスワイプして入室します。
Swipe your card to enter the room.
To steal something quickly and casually, often by grabbing it and running.
Means to snatch or swipe something, often with a sense of boldness or speed. Commonly used for theft.
犯人は店から宝石をかっさらった。
The culprit swiped the jewels from the store.
General word for 'steal'. Less specific than 'swipe' but can be used in similar contexts.
Casual/slang term for pilfering or swiping something small. Often used among friends or in light-hearted contexts.
To hit or try to hit with a broad, sweeping movement of the hand or an object.
Means to swing or wave something around, often with force. Can be used for a wild swipe.
彼はバットを振り回してボールを打った。
He swiped at the ball with the bat.
Literally 'to strike sideways'. Used for a powerful, sweeping blow, like a swipe with a fist or weapon.
彼は相手を横殴りにした。
He took a swipe at his opponent.
Means to scratch or claw. Used when an animal or person swipes with nails/claws.
To quickly browse or flip through digital content, like photos or social media feeds.
Combines 'swipe' with 'miru' (to see/watch). Natural for describing browsing by swiping.
写真をスワイプして見る。
Swipe through the photos.
Means 'to take a quick look'. Can be used for quickly swiping through content without focusing on the gesture itself.
ニュースをさっと見た。
I swiped through the news.
Both are used for touchscreen gestures. 'スワイプする' is a general swipe, while 'フリックする' implies a quicker, lighter flick, often used in Japanese flick input keyboards.
スワイプでページをめくる。
Swipe to turn the page.
フリックで文字を選ぶ。
Flick to select a character.
While 'カードをスワイプする' is understood, 'カードを通す' is the more natural and common expression in Japanese for swiping a card through a reader.
Someone swiped my wallet.
彼は私のチョコをくすねた。
He swiped my chocolate.
猫が私の手をひっかいた。
The cat swiped at my hand.