Translation guide
The English word "thrust" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: physical pushing/shoving, inserting something into a space, the main point of an argument, and a few specialized senses.
To push someone or something with a sudden, strong movement, often with a hand or body.
General verb for poking, prodding, or thrusting. Can be used for a quick, sharp push.
He thrust me in the back.
Means 'push' in general. For a forceful thrust, it can be used with adverbs like 強く (strongly).
彼女はドアを強く押した。
She thrust the door open.
To thrust someone away forcefully, often causing them to stagger or fall.
彼は相手を突き飛ばした。
He thrust his opponent away.
To put something into a container, opening, or tight space with a quick or forceful motion.
To thrust something into something else, often casually or forcefully. Very common in daily speech.
彼はポケットに手を突っ込んだ。
He thrust his hands into his pockets.
彼女はバッグに本を突っ込んだ。
She thrust the book into her bag.
To insert or thrust something into a slot, gap, or opening. Slightly more formal than 突っ込む.
To push or cram something into a space, often implying force or tightness.
The central idea or essential meaning of what someone is saying.
The main point or gist. Often used in phrases like 要点は〜だ (the thrust of it is...).
彼の話の要点は何ですか？
What is the thrust of his argument?
The main point or purport, often used in formal contexts.
その提案の主旨を説明してください。
Please explain the thrust of the proposal.
The force or energy that pushes something forward, often used metaphorically.
Driving force or propulsion. Used for physical thrust (like a rocket) or metaphorical momentum.
ロケットの推進力は強力だ。
The thrust of the rocket is powerful.
改革の推進力となる。
It becomes the thrust for reform.
Thrust (technical term), often used in engineering or physics.
A quick forward movement with a pointed weapon like a sword or knife.
A thrust or stab, especially in martial arts or fencing.
彼は剣で突きを繰り出した。
He made a thrust with his sword.
To stab or pierce. More general than 突き and can be used for knives.
犯人はナイフで彼を刺した。
The criminal thrust a knife into him.
All three mean 'to thrust/insert', but with different nuances. 突っ込む is casual and implies a quick, sometimes careless motion. 差し込む is for inserting into a designated slot or gap, like a card or key. 押し込む emphasizes cramming or forcing something into a tight space.
ポケットに手を突っ込む
thrust hands into pockets (casual)
鍵を差し込む
insert a key (into a keyhole)
服をカバンに押し込む
cram clothes into a bag
English 'thrust' often implies a sudden, sharp, or forceful push. In Japanese, 押す (push) is more general. Use 突く or 突っ込む when you want to emphasize the suddenness or force. Using 押す alone might sound too weak for a 'thrust'.
カードを差し込んでください。
Please thrust the card into the slot.
彼はスーツケースに服を押し込んだ。
He thrust his clothes into the suitcase.
エンジンの推力を測定する。
Measure the thrust of the engine.