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頬を張る (ほおをはる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora

頬ほおを張はる

Meanings

1

expression, godan verb (-ru)

slap in the face

A set phrase meaning to slap someone's cheek. The verb 張る here conveys a sharp, striking action.

彼かれは怒おこって相あい手ての頬ほおを張はった。
He got angry and slapped the other person in the face.
そんなことを言いうなら、頬ほおを張はるぞ。
If you say that, I'll slap you in the face.

Kanji

頬cheeks, jaw
張counter for bows & stringed instruments, stretch, spread

Similar words

殴なぐる
殴る means to punch or strike with a fist, whereas 頬を張る specifically refers to an open-handed slap to the cheek.
叩たたく
叩く is a general verb for hitting or striking, while 頬を張る is a fixed expression for slapping the face.

Etymology

The expression combines 頬 (cheek) with 張る (to slap, in this context). The verb 張る can mean to strike with an open hand, and the phrase is a conventional way to describe a face slap.