Translation guide
The English verb 'trample' means to step heavily on something, often causing damage or injury. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on what is being trampled, the intent, and the context.
Expressing the act of stepping on something repeatedly or heavily with the intent to crush, flatten, or destroy it.
The most common and direct equivalent. It implies stepping on something forcefully, often repeatedly, and is used for both literal and figurative trampling.
彼は怒って花を踏みつけた。
He angrily trampled the flowers.
群衆が芝生を踏みつけてしまった。
The crowd trampled the lawn.
Stronger than 踏みつける, often implying trampling with the intent to ruin or violate. Frequently used figuratively for trampling on rights, feelings, or dignity.
彼らは人権を踏みにじった。
They trampled on human rights.
彼のプライドを踏みにじるようなことを言った。
He said something that trampled on my pride.
Specifically means to trample and devastate an area, like a field or garden, leaving it in a mess. Emphasizes the resulting disorder.
牛が畑を踏み荒らした。
The cows trampled the field.
Describing a situation where someone or something is stepped on unintentionally, often in a crowded or chaotic situation.
The basic verb 'to step on'. In context, it can mean to accidentally trample, especially when combined with adverbs or in passive form.
人混みで足を踏まれた。
My foot got trampled in the crowd.
彼は倒れた人を踏んでしまった。
He accidentally trampled the person who had fallen.
Literally 'step and crush'. Used when the trampling results in crushing or flattening, often accidentally.
Using 'trample' metaphorically to mean violating rules, rights, feelings, or principles.
The standard figurative expression for trampling on abstract things like rights, feelings, or dignity.
その法律は国民の権利を踏みにじっている。
That law tramples on the rights of the people.
Means 'to ignore' or 'disregard'. In many contexts where English uses 'trample' figuratively, Japanese simply uses 'ignore' or 'disregard'.
彼は私の気持ちを完全に無視した。
He completely trampled on my feelings.
A formal, literary word meaning to trample or overrun, often used in historical or political contexts (e.g., invasion, oppression).
敵軍が国土を蹂躙した。
The enemy army trampled over the land.
Trampling vegetation to flatten it or create a path.
Means to trample down and harden, like making a path through grass or snow by repeatedly stepping on it.
雪を踏み固めて道を作った。
We trampled down the snow to make a path.
Literally 'step and knock down', used for trampling down plants or grass forcefully.
English uses 'trample' in many figurative phrases (e.g., 'trample on someone's feelings'). Japanese often uses simpler verbs like 無視する (ignore) or 傷つける (hurt) instead of a literal trampling verb. Using 踏みにじる for minor slights can sound overly dramatic.
踏む (fumu) is the general verb 'to step on'. 踏みつける (fumitsukeru) adds force and repetition, making it closer to 'trample'. Use 踏む for accidental stepping, and 踏みつける for deliberate, forceful trampling.
落とした眼鏡を踏みつぶしてしまった。
I accidentally trampled my glasses and crushed them.
雑草を踏み倒して進んだ。
We trampled down the weeds and advanced.