はじく

は

じ

く

Common wordJLPTN1Freq.FrequencyTop 10,000

Meanings

godan verb (-ku), transitive verb

flip; flick; snap

usually written using kana alone

Quick, light motion with a finger or small object, often to move or strike something.

彼かれは指ゆびでコインをはじいた。
He flipped the coin with his finger.

虫むし

を

はじい

て

窓まど

の

外そと

に

出だ

し

た

。

I flicked the bug out the window.

godan verb (-ku), transitive verb

repel; shed

usually written using kana alone

Often used for water, dirt, or attacks; implies the surface or object does not absorb or allow entry.

この傘かさは水みずをよくはじく。
This umbrella repels water well.
撥はっ水すい加か工こうで汚よごれをはじく。
The water-repellent finish sheds dirt.

godan verb (-ku), transitive verb

use an abacus; calculate on an abacus

usually written using kana alone

Specifically refers to moving abacus beads; extended to calculating in general, though less common.

そろばんをはじいて合ごう計けいを出だした。
I calculated the total using the abacus.

godan verb (-ku), transitive verb

strum; pluck

usually written using kana alone

Used for string instruments like guitar or shamisen; implies a light, quick plucking motion.

ギターの弦げんをはじいて音おとを出だした。
He plucked the guitar strings to make a sound.

Written forms

はじくUsage99%
Usually written in kana; the kanji 弾く is also used but less common for these senses.
弾はじくUsage1%
Kanji form; can also be read ひく (to play a string instrument). Context usually disambiguates.

Kanji

弾bullet, twang, flip

Similar words

弾ひく
弾く (ひく) means to play a string instrument in a general sense, while はじく focuses on the plucking or flicking motion itself.
はたく
はたく means to slap or brush off dust, using a broader motion, whereas はじく is a quick, light flick.

Etymology

Native Japanese verb. The kanji 弾 is associated with 'bullet' or 'play (string instrument)', but the core meaning of はじく is a quick, spring-like motion.