Translation and Meaning of: 叩く - tataku

The Japanese word 叩く (たたく) is a common verb that carries both physical and metaphorical meanings, making it interesting for both language learners and those curious about Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday uses, and some cultural peculiarities surrounding it. If you have ever wondered how and when to use 叩く, or if you want to better understand its application in different contexts, this Suki Nihongo guide will help.

In addition to describing concrete actions such as hitting or striking, 叩く also appears in idiomatic expressions and specific social situations. We will see how this word relates to everyday gestures and even more subtle interactions, such as verbally pressuring someone. Continue reading to discover details that go beyond simple translation.

Meaning and uses of 叩く

The verb 叩く primarily means "to hit" or "to strike," but its usage goes beyond the literal sense. It can describe both physical actions, like hitting a door or a drum, as well as more abstract situations, such as persistently criticizing someone. For example, ドアを叩く (どあをたたく) means "to knock on the door," while 彼は叩かれた (かれはたたかれた) can indicate that someone was the target of criticism.

In informal contexts, 叩く also appears to express repetitive or quick actions, such as typing on a keyboard (キーボードを叩く) or even eating hastily (飯を叩く). This versatility makes the word frequently used in everyday life, both in conversations and in Japanese media.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 叩く is composed of the radical 口 (mouth) and the component 卩, which used to represent a person kneeling. This combination suggests the idea of "calling attention" or "interpellating," which relates to some of its metaphorical uses. Although its most common reading is たたく, this same kanji can also be read as こう in specific contexts, such as in the term 叩頭 (こうとう), which means "to prostrate oneself."

It is worth noting that 叩く is not one of the most common kanji in modern Japanese, but it appears regularly in situations involving action or impact. Its use in everyday expressions and its presence in learning materials make it a useful verb for those studying the language.

Cultural curiosities and memorization tips

In Japan, 叩く is often associated with everyday gestures, such as clapping hands (手を叩く) before praying at a Shinto shrine. This custom, known as 拍手 (かしわで), demonstrates how the action of striking is connected to traditional rituals. Furthermore, the word can be used humorously to describe someone who "devours" food quickly, reinforcing its application in different contexts.

To memorize 叩く, one tip is to associate the radical 口 (mouth) with the idea of "getting attention" or "making noise." Another strategy is to practice with simple sentences, such as 太鼓を叩く (たいこをたたく – "to hit the drum"). Repeating these examples out loud helps to solidify not only the meaning but also the correct pronunciation.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 叩く

• 叩く - 辞書形
• 叩きます - ます形
• 叩かない - ない形
• 叩いて - て形
• 叩こう - う形

Synonyms and similar words

• 打つ (utsu) - To hit or strike; to perform an action of hitting.
• たたく (tataku) - Hit, striking with the hand or an object.
• ノックする (nokku suru) - Knock (usually on the door), give a light tap.
• こぶしで打つ (kobushi de utsu) - To hit with the fist; to strike with a closed hand.
• はたく (hataku) - Give a pat or shake; hit lightly.
• 打ちつける (uchitsukeru) - Hit hard or strike forcefully.

叩く

Romaji: tataku
Kana: たたく
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: attack; chat; dust; win

Meaning in English: to strike;to clap;to dust;to beat

Definition: Shake something and make noise.

Example Sentences - (叩く) tataku

See below some example sentences:

私は太鼓を叩くのが好きです。

Watashi wa taiko o tataku no ga suki desu

I like to play drum.

I like to hit the battery.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 太鼓 - Japanese noun meaning "drum"
• を - Japanese particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "drum"
• 叩く - Japanese verb meaning "to touch" or "to hit"
• のが - Japanese particle indicating a nominal phrase, in this case, "play the drum"
• 好き - Japanese adjective that means "like"
• です - Japanese verb that indicates the present state or action, in this case, "I like"