打つ
打つ in 30 Seconds
- Core meaning: To hit, strike, or beat something with force.
- Modern usage: Typing on a keyboard or sending digital messages.
- Sports/Medical: Used for hitting a ball or giving an injection.
- Metaphorical: Striking a chord or being deeply moved emotionally.
The Japanese word 打つ (utsu) is a versatile verb that primarily translates to 'to hit,' 'to strike,' or 'to beat.' While its core meaning involves physical impact, its usage has expanded significantly in modern Japanese to encompass digital communication, sports, and even emotional experiences. At the A1 level, you will most frequently encounter it in the context of hitting a ball in sports or the physical act of striking an object. However, as you progress, you will see it used for typing on a keyboard or sending a text message, reflecting the 'striking' of keys. The word carries a sense of deliberate action and impact, whether that impact is physical, metaphorical, or digital.
- Physical Impact
- The most literal use is hitting something with a tool or hand, such as driving a nail into wood (釘を打つ) or playing a drum (太鼓を打つ). It implies a forceful, often percussive contact.
彼はハンマーで釘を打つ。(He hits a nail with a hammer.)
- Digital Context
- In the age of technology, 'utsu' is the standard verb for typing (キーボードを打つ) or sending a message (メールを打つ). This stems from the historical action of striking typewriter keys or tapping out Morse code via telegraph.
Beyond these, 'utsu' appears in sports like baseball (to bat/hit the ball) and tennis. It also describes medical actions like giving an injection (注射を打つ). Interestingly, it can describe the heart beating (鼓動を打つ) or being deeply moved (心を打つ). The breadth of this word makes it essential for daily conversation, as it bridges the gap between ancient physical labor and modern digital life. Whether you are building a house, playing a game, or simply sending a 'hello' to a friend, you are likely using 'utsu' in some form.
パソコンで文章を打つ。(To type a sentence on a computer.)
Using 打つ (utsu) correctly requires understanding its transitive nature. It typically takes the particle を (o) to indicate the object being hit or the action being performed. For example, 'ball o utsu' (hit the ball). However, in specific idiomatic expressions or medical contexts, the nuance can shift slightly. When you are giving an injection, you are 'striking' the needle into the body. When you are moved by a story, the story 'strikes' your heart.
- Basic Structure
- [Subject] は [Object] を 打つ。 (Subject hits Object.) This is the foundation for 90% of its usage.
テニスのボールを打つ練習をします。(I practice hitting tennis balls.)
In polite conversation, you will use the Masu-form: 打ちます (uchimasu). For past actions, use 打ちました (uchimashita). If you are asking someone to do it, use the Te-form: 打ってください (utte kudasai). Note the small 'tsu' (っ) in the Te-form conjugation, which is a common stumbling block for beginners. For example, 'Please send a message' becomes 'Meeru o utte kudasai.'
- Emotional Usage
- When something strikes your heart, use 'Kokoro o utsu'. This is used for movies, books, or speeches that are deeply moving.
その映画は私の心を打ちました。(That movie struck/moved my heart.)
You will hear 打つ (utsu) in a variety of real-world settings. In an office, it’s the sound of productivity. Colleagues might say, 'I'm typing up the report' (Houkokusho o utte imasu). At a baseball stadium, the announcer screams 'Utta!' (He hit it!) when a batter connects with the ball. This word is the heartbeat of Japanese sports and business communication.
- Sports Commentary
- In baseball, 'batter ga utsu' is the most common phrase. You'll hear fans cheering 'Ute!' (Hit it!) to encourage the player.
ホームランを打つのは難しい。(Hitting a home run is difficult.)
In medical clinics, nurses will use it when preparing for a flu shot or vaccine. 'Chuusha o uchimasu ne' (I'm going to give you the injection now) is a standard phrase to warn the patient. In a more traditional setting, you might hear it at a temple when the large bell is struck (Kane o utsu) or during a performance of Taiko drumming.
- Daily Life
- From 'typing a password' to 'striking a deal' (te o utsu), this word is everywhere. It’s even used in games like Go or Shogi to describe making a move.
The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing 打つ (utsu) with 叩く (tataku). While both involve hitting, 'tataku' usually refers to tapping, clapping, or slapping something repeatedly or lightly. 'Utsu' implies a more singular, forceful, or purposeful strike. For example, you 'tataku' a door (knock), but you 'utsu' a nail.
- Utsu vs. Naguru
- 'Naguru' (殴る) is specifically used for punching or hitting a person in a violent context. Never use 'utsu' to describe a fistfight unless you are using highly stylized or archaic language.
× ドアを打つ (Incorrect for knocking) -> ○ ドアを叩く (Correct)
Another mistake is with the particle usage in the phrase 'to be moved.' While 'kokoro o utsu' (to strike the heart) is common, beginners often forget that the *thing* doing the moving is the subject. 'Sono uta wa watashi no kokoro o utta' (That song struck my heart). Using the wrong particle here can make it sound like you are physically hitting a heart.
To enrich your Japanese, it’s helpful to know words that are similar to 打つ (utsu) but carry different nuances. Depending on the force, the tool, and the target, you might choose a more specific verb.
- 叩く (Tataku)
- To tap, clap, or beat. Used for knocking on doors, clapping hands (te o tataku), or rhythmically beating a drum. It feels lighter than 'utsu'.
- 突く (Tsuku)
- To poke, stab, or thrust. Used for actions with a pointed object or a forward thrusting motion, like using a cane or a pool cue.
- 殴る (Naguru)
- To punch or strike someone. This is a violent action, usually with a fist. It is much more aggressive than 'utsu'.
彼は怒って壁を殴った。(He got angry and punched the wall.)
In a digital context, while 'utsu' is standard for typing, you might hear 入力する (nyuuryoku suru) which means 'to input' data. This is more formal and used in technical settings. For sports, ヒットを打つ (hitto o utsu) specifically means to get a 'hit' in baseball, whereas just 'utsu' might just mean the act of swinging the bat.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
In ancient Japan, 'utsu' was also used to describe the act of purifying or performing rituals by striking objects to drive away evil spirits.
Pronunciation Guide
Difficulty Rating
The kanji '打' is simple and taught early in elementary school.
The hand radical is easy, but the '丁' part requires correct stroke order.
The pronunciation is straightforward, though the pitch accent needs care.
It's a very common word, easily recognized in many contexts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive Verbs with を
ボールを打つ。
Te-form conjugation (U-verbs ending in 'tsu')
打つ -> 打って
Potential Form
打てる (can hit)
Passive Form
打たれる (to be hit)
Nominalization with 'no' or 'koto'
打つことは楽しい。
Examples by Level
ボールを打ちます。
I hit the ball.
Basic transitive verb usage with particle 'o'.
太鼓を打ちます。
I hit the drum.
'Utsu' is used for forceful percussion.
釘を打ちます。
I hit a nail.
Physical tool usage.
手を打ってください。
Please clap your hands. (Note: though 'tataku' is more common, 'utsu' is used in specific contexts like 'kashiwade').
Te-form request.
メールを打ちます。
I type an email.
Modern digital usage.
彼はテニスでボールを打ちました。
He hit the ball in tennis.
Past tense 'uchimashita'.
ここで釘を打たないでください。
Please don't hit nails here.
Negative te-form 'naide kudasai'.
ゆっくり打ってください。
Please hit it slowly.
Adverb 'yukkuri' modifying the verb.
キーボードを打つのが早いです。
He is fast at typing on the keyboard.
Nominalizing the verb with 'no'.
友達にメッセージを打ちました。
I sent a message to my friend.
Particle 'ni' for the recipient.
病院で注射を打ちました。
I got an injection at the hospital.
Common medical collocation.
雨が窓を打っています。
The rain is hitting the window.
Continuous form 'te-iru'.
大きな鐘を打ちます。
I strike a large bell.
Descriptive adjective 'ookina'.
彼は上手にボールを打ちます。
He hits the ball well.
Adverb 'jouzu ni'.
パスワードを打ってください。
Please type the password.
Specific digital object.
昨日、パソコンを打ちすぎて指が痛いです。
I typed too much yesterday, so my fingers hurt.
'~sugiru' (too much) construction.
その物語は多くの人の心を打った。
That story moved the hearts of many people.
Metaphorical usage for emotional impact.
時計が夜中の12時を打った。
The clock struck midnight.
Used for timekeeping sounds.
彼は囲碁で次の手を打った。
He played the next move in Go.
Specialized vocabulary for board games.
波が岸壁を打つ音が聞こえる。
I can hear the sound of waves hitting the quay.
Describing natural sounds.
インフルエンザの予防接種を打つ。
To get a flu vaccination.
More specific medical term.
彼は自分の考えをタイプライターで打った。
He typed his thoughts on a typewriter.
Historical context of 'utsu'.
この計画には手を打つ必要がある。
We need to take measures for this plan.
Idiom 'te o utsu' (to take measures).
心臓が激しく鼓動を打っている。
My heart is beating violently.
Biological usage for heartbeat.
政府はインフレに対して策を打った。
The government took measures against inflation.
Abstract usage in political context.
芝居を打って、彼を驚かせよう。
Let's put on a small act and surprise him.
Idiom 'shibaku o utsu' (to put on an act).
彼は反対派に先手を打った。
He made the first move against the opposition.
Idiom 'sente o utsu' (to forestall/get ahead).
彼女の言葉は私の胸を深く打った。
Her words deeply struck my chest (moved me).
Variation of 'kokoro o utsu'.
激しい雨が屋根を打ち続けている。
Heavy rain continues to strike the roof.
'~tsuzukeru' (continue to) suffix.
布に模様を打つ作業が始まった。
The work of stamping patterns onto the fabric has begun.
Usage in traditional crafts.
彼はテニスのサーブを力強く打った。
He hit the tennis serve powerfully.
Sports context with adverb.
不況の波が業界全体を打っている。
The wave of recession is hitting the entire industry.
Metaphorical usage for economic impact.
刀鍛冶が魂を込めて刀を打つ。
The swordsmith forges the sword with all his soul.
Specialized term for forging (tanren).
彼は絶妙なタイミングで相槌を打つ。
He gives back-channeling responses at the perfect timing.
Idiom 'aizuchi o utsu' (to nod/agree).
事件の解決に向けて、布石を打つ。
To lay the groundwork for solving the case.
Idiom 'fuseki o utsu' (to lay groundwork).
詩人は言葉で読者の琴線を打つ。
The poet strikes the reader's heartstrings with words.
Highly literary expression.
そのボクサーは相手の顎を的確に打った。
The boxer struck the opponent's jaw accurately.
Precise physical description.
伝統的な手法で蕎麦を打つ。
To make soba noodles using traditional methods (striking the dough).
Specialized term for noodle making.
彼は観客の度肝を抜くような手を打った。
He made a move that astounded the audience.
Idiomatic combination.
荒波が絶え間なく岩礁を打っている。
Rough waves are constantly striking the reef.
Evocative natural description.
万策尽きて、彼は最後の一手を打った。
Having exhausted all options, he played his final card.
High-level strategic context.
その演説は国民の心の琴線に深く打ち響いた。
The speech resonated deeply with the heartstrings of the nation.
Advanced metaphorical usage.
彼は自らの過ちに対して、厳しく釘を刺し、楔を打った。
He took firm measures and 'drove a wedge' against his own mistakes.
Combining multiple 'striking' idioms.
歴史の荒波に打たれながらも、その伝統は守られた。
While being buffeted by the rough waves of history, that tradition was preserved.
Passive voice 'utareru' in a grand metaphor.
彼は沈黙を打つことで、相手の動揺を誘った。
By maintaining a strategic silence, he induced agitation in his opponent.
Abstract usage of 'striking' silence.
名匠の手によって打たれた鐘の音は、千年の時を超えて響く。
The sound of the bell struck by a master craftsman resonates across a thousand years.
Passive past participle as an adjective.
彼は冷徹な計算に基づき、市場に楔を打つ新製品を投入した。
Based on cold calculation, he launched a new product that 'drove a wedge' into the market.
Business strategy metaphor.
人生の岐路において、どの手を打つべきか彼は苦悩した。
At the crossroads of life, he agonized over which move he should make.
Philosophical application of game terminology.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To make sure or to give a final warning.
念のためにダメを打っておく。
— To gamble or take a big risk.
人生の博打を打つ。
— To put on an act or pretend.
彼は病気の芝居を打った。
— To forestall someone or make the first move.
ライバルに先手を打つ。
— To nod along in agreement during a conversation.
彼女は上手に相槌を打つ。
— To pulse or throb (like a vein).
手首で脈を打つのがわかる。
— To undulate or be wavy.
髪が波を打っている。
— The sound of rain hitting the glass.
雨が激しく窓を打つ。
Often Confused With
Tataku is for tapping/knocking; Utsu is for forceful hitting.
Naguru is for punching people; Utsu is for objects/balls.
Tsuku is for poking/stabbing; Utsu is for striking.
Idioms & Expressions
— To be deeply moved or touched by something.
彼の誠実な態度に心を打たれた。
neutral— To take necessary measures or to reach a compromise/agreement.
これ以上の被害が出ないように手を打つ。
neutral— To make conversational signals (nodding, saying 'uh-huh') to show you are listening.
聞き上手な人は相槌を打つのがうまい。
neutral— To do something before someone else can, to gain an advantage.
競合他社に先手を打って新製品を発売する。
business— To deceive someone by pretending or acting.
彼は嘘をつくために芝居を打った。
informal— To take a dangerous risk, often in business or life.
全財産を投資して博打を打つ。
informal— To make absolutely sure of something or to warn someone.
間違いがないように釘を打っておく。
neutral— To make preparations for a future goal (from the game of Go).
将来の成功のために、今から布石を打つ。
formal— To drive a wedge between people or to secure a position.
二人の仲に楔を打つような発言。
literaryEasily Confused
Both mean 'to hit'.
'Tataku' is lighter or repetitive (like a door); 'Utsu' is a single strong strike or a functional action (like typing).
手を叩く (Clap hands) vs. 釘を打つ (Hit a nail).
Both involve physical force.
'Naguru' is almost always violent and involves a fist against a living being. 'Utsu' is more general and often positive (sports).
人を殴る (Punch a person) vs. ホームランを打つ (Hit a home run).
Both involve contact.
'Tsuku' is a forward thrust (like a spear); 'Utsu' is a downward or swinging strike.
杖を突く (Use a cane) vs. 鐘を打つ (Strike a bell).
Both used in music.
'Hiku' is for string/keyboard instruments; 'Utsu' is for percussion (drums).
ピアノを弾く (Play piano) vs. 太鼓を打つ (Hit a drum).
Both involve hitting a target.
'Ateru' focuses on the result of making contact; 'Utsu' focuses on the action of swinging or striking.
的に当てる (Hit the bullseye) vs. ボールを打つ (Strike the ball).
Sentence Patterns
[Object] を 打ちます。
ボールを打ちます。
[Object] を 打ってください。
メールを打ってください。
[Object] を 打つ のが [Adjective] です。
キーボードを打つのが早いです。
[Subject] が [Person] の 心を 打った。
彼の言葉が私の心を打った。
[Object] を 打つ ために [Action]。
釘を打つためにハンマーを買った。
[Problem] に 手を 打つ。
不況に手を打つ。
[Object] に 楔を 打つ。
市場に楔を打つ。
[Metaphor] に 打たれる。
時代の荒波に打たれる。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Very high in daily life and media.
-
ドアを打つ (Doa o utsu)
→
ドアを叩く (Doa o tataku)
'Utsu' is too forceful for a normal knock. Use 'tataku' for tapping.
-
友達を打つ (Tomodachi o utsu)
→
友達を殴る (Tomodachi o naguru)
'Utsu' is for objects; 'naguru' is for physical violence against people.
-
ピアノを打つ (Piano o utsu)
→
ピアノを弾く (Piano o hiku)
Use 'hiku' for playing musical instruments like piano or guitar.
-
心を打つされた (Kokoro o utsusareta)
→
心を打たれた (Kokoro o utareta)
The passive form of 'utsu' is 'utareta', not 'utsusareta'.
-
メールを書く vs 打つ
→
Both are okay, but 'utsu' focuses on the act of typing.
Beginners often only use 'kaku', but 'utsu' sounds more natural for digital input.
Tips
The Hammer Rule
If you can imagine a hammer-like motion, use 'utsu'. This works for nails, piano keys (hammers inside), and baseball bats.
Digital Striking
In Japan, you don't just 'type' a message; you 'strike' it into the digital world. Use 'utsu' for all things keyboard-related.
The Te-form Trap
Remember: Utsu ends in 'tsu', so it becomes 'Utte'. Don't say 'Utite'!
Heartfelt Impact
Use 'Kokoro o utsu' to sound more expressive when talking about art or kindness.
Sports Logic
In baseball, 'batting' is 'battingu', but the verb for the action is always 'utsu'.
Clinic Communication
If a nurse says 'uchimasu', stay still! She's about to give you a shot.
Handshake Alternative
'Te o utsu' can mean 'striking a deal'. It’s like the sound of two people clapping hands to confirm an agreement.
Kanji Clue
The left side of '打' is the hand radical. If it involves a hand action, this kanji is a good candidate.
Listen for the Beat
'Kodou o utsu' (heartbeat) is a common phrase in romantic songs and dramas.
Stroke Order
Write the hand radical first, then the 'T' shape. It keeps your kanji balanced.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
'Utsu' sounds like 'Oof!'. Imagine hitting a nail and shouting 'Oof!' (Utsu!) when you strike it.
Visual Association
Picture a hand (the radical 扌) holding a hammer hitting a nail (丁).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'utsu' for three different things today: typing a text, hitting a ball, and being moved by a song.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old Japanese verb 'utu'. The kanji '打' consists of the 'hand' radical (扌) and 'ting' (丁), which represents the sound of hitting or a nail.
Original meaning: To strike or hit with a hand or tool.
JaponicCultural Context
Be careful not to confuse 'utsu' with 'naguru' (to punch someone), as 'utsu' is generally not used for interpersonal violence in modern Japanese.
English uses 'hit' for baseball and 'type' for keyboards. Japanese uses 'utsu' for both, showing a conceptual link between physical and digital 'striking'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Sports
- ホームランを打つ
- テニスを打つ
- ナイスバッティング!
Office/Tech
- メールを打つ
- キーボードを打つ
- 報告書を打つ
Medical
- 予防接種を打つ
- 注射を打つ
- 脈を打つ
Emotional
- 心を打つ
- 感動で胸を打つ
- 琴線を打つ
Idiomatic
- 手を打つ
- 先手を打つ
- 相槌を打つ
Conversation Starters
"最近、何か心を打たれた映画はありますか? (Recently, is there any movie that moved your heart?)"
"野球でホームランを打ったことがありますか? (Have you ever hit a home run in baseball?)"
"メールを打つのは早いほうですか? (Are you fast at typing emails?)"
"注射を打つのは怖いですか? (Are you afraid of getting injections?)"
"会議で上手に相槌を打つコツは何ですか? (What is the trick to nodding effectively in a meeting?)"
Journal Prompts
今日、誰かの言葉に心を打たれましたか? (Were you moved by someone's words today?)
あなたが最近、パソコンで打った長い文章は何ですか? (What is the long text you typed on a computer recently?)
将来のために、今どんな布石を打っていますか? (What groundwork are you laying now for the future?)
スポーツで何かを『打つ』のは好きですか? (Do you like hitting things in sports?)
注射を打った時の思い出を書いてください。 (Write about a memory of getting an injection.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you should use 'naguru'. 'Utsu' is for objects or sports.
Yes, it is very common, although 'okuru' (send) is also used.
'Utsu' sounds more powerful and formal, while 'tataku' sounds like rhythmic playing.
Yes, 'juu o utsu' (to fire a gun) is a common usage.
You say 'Kokoro o utareta' (Passive) or 'Kokoro o utta' (The thing moved me).
It describes the quick, sharp movement of the needle into the skin.
Yes, placing a stone or piece is called 'utsu'.
It means to take necessary measures or reach an agreement.
Yes, 'ame ga mado o utsu' (rain hits the window) is common.
It is the traditional process of making soba noodles, involving striking the dough.
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write a sentence in Japanese: 'I hit the ball.'
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Write a sentence in Japanese: 'Please type the password.'
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Write a sentence in Japanese: 'The movie moved my heart.'
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Write a sentence in Japanese: 'I will send an email to my teacher.'
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Write a sentence in Japanese: 'He hit a home run.'
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Translate: 'To take measures against the problem.'
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Write the Te-form of 'utsu'.
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Translate: 'The clock struck three.'
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Translate: 'I hit a nail with a hammer.'
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Translate: 'I am typing a report.'
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Translate: 'Don't hit the ball here.'
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Translate: 'The sound of waves hitting the rocks.'
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Translate: 'He played a good move in Go.'
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Translate: 'I got a flu shot.'
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Translate: 'She nods along well.'
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Translate: 'To put on an act to surprise someone.'
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Translate: 'My heart is beating fast.'
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Translate: 'To lay groundwork for the future.'
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Translate: 'The rain is hitting the roof.'
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Write the kanji for 'utsu'.
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Pronounce 'utsu' correctly.
Read this aloud:
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Say 'I hit the ball' in polite Japanese.
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Say 'Please send a message' using 'utsu'.
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Say 'I was moved' (Kokoro o utareta).
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Explain what 'te o utsu' means in English.
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How do you say 'to give an injection' in Japanese?
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Say 'The rain is hitting the window'.
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Pronounce the Te-form 'utte'.
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Say 'Hitting a home run is difficult'.
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Explain 'aizuchi o utsu' to a friend.
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Say 'I am typing a report' in polite Japanese.
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Say 'The clock struck midnight'.
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How do you say 'to make soba' using 'utsu'?
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Say 'Don't take such a big risk (gamble)'.
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Say 'My heart is beating'.
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Say 'Let's take measures quickly'.
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Say 'I hit my head' (Atama o utta).
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Say 'He is fast at typing'.
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Say 'That story moved many people'.
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Say 'I strike the bell'.
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Listen and identify the object: 'ボールを打ちます。'
Listen and identify the action: 'メールを打ってください。'
Listen and identify the feeling: '心を打たれました。'
Listen and identify the place: '病院で注射を打ちました。'
Listen and identify the tool: 'ハンマーで釘を打つ。'
Listen and identify the sport: 'ホームランを打った!'
Listen and identify the sound: '雨が窓を打つ音。'
Listen and identify the person: '打者が打ちました。'
Listen and identify the time: '時計が1時を打った。'
Listen and identify the game: '次の手を打つ。'
Listen and identify the warning: '釘を刺すように打っておく。'
Listen and identify the food: '蕎麦を打ちます。'
Listen and identify the metal: '刀を打つ。'
Listen and identify the body part: '脈を打つ。'
Listen and identify the risk: '博打を打つ。'
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
'Utsu' is a 'force' verb. Whether you are hitting a physical nail, hitting keys on a laptop, or hitting a home run, you are applying a directed strike to achieve a result. Example: 'Meeru o utsu' (Send an email).
- Core meaning: To hit, strike, or beat something with force.
- Modern usage: Typing on a keyboard or sending digital messages.
- Sports/Medical: Used for hitting a ball or giving an injection.
- Metaphorical: Striking a chord or being deeply moved emotionally.
The Hammer Rule
If you can imagine a hammer-like motion, use 'utsu'. This works for nails, piano keys (hammers inside), and baseball bats.
Digital Striking
In Japan, you don't just 'type' a message; you 'strike' it into the digital world. Use 'utsu' for all things keyboard-related.
The Te-form Trap
Remember: Utsu ends in 'tsu', so it becomes 'Utte'. Don't say 'Utite'!
Heartfelt Impact
Use 'Kokoro o utsu' to sound more expressive when talking about art or kindness.
Example
バットで打ちます。