Translation and Meaning of: 撃つ - utsu

If you are studying Japanese and have encountered the verb 撃つ [うつ], you know that it goes beyond a simple "to shoot." This word carries nuances of combat, strategy, and even destruction, being common in contexts of games, samurai stories, and even in everyday Japanese in more intense situations. In this article, we will explore the etymology, the pictogram, and the practical uses of this expression, as well as tips for memorizing it without confusion. Here at Suki Nihongo, you can also find ready-made sentences to include in Anki and master this term once and for all.

Why is 撃つ so present in mangas and games? The answer lies in its visual and auditory strength — the kanji 撃, with its aggressive strokes, already conveys the tone. But there are details that few notice, such as the historical connection with military tactics. Let's unravel everything, from its origin to the common pronunciation mistakes that even natives make.

The Kanji 撃 and Its Martial Origin

The heart of 撃つ is in the character 撃, composed of 手 (hand) and 殳 (ancient weapon). You can already imagine the scene: a warrior striking forcefully. This kanji did not arise by chance—it comes from archaic Chinese, where it represented physical attacks or ambushes. Curiously, in classic texts like "The Art of War," it appeared in siege strategies.

In feudal Japan, 撃つ was used literally to describe archers shooting arrows (弓を撃つ) or soldiers firing muskets. Today, the verb retains this combative essence but has taken on metaphorical uses. In companies, for example, one hears "競合を撃つ" (defeat competitors) in heated meetings.

From the Battlefield to Everyday Life

Anyone who plays Monster Hunter is familiar with the phrase "竜を撃つ!" — an order to attack dragons with ballistae. This adaptation for games is no coincidence. Japanese developers choose 撃つ when they want to convey impact, unlike 打つ (to hit) or 射る (to shoot with a bow). The difference? 撃つ implies precision and consequence.

Outside the screens, the verb appears in headlines like "台風が沿岸部を撃つ" (the typhoon attacks the coastline), showing how we normalize military vocabulary for disasters. But be careful: using 撃つ for everyday arguments sounds exaggerated. In a discussion at work, "意見を撃つ" would be comical — as if ideas were projectiles.

Memory and Common Traps

Here’s a tip that saved me in my early years: associate the 撃 with a revolver. The upper stroke looks like a trigger dog, and the lower ones resemble the cylinder. The sound "utsu" refers to the bang of a shot. This mental image helps differentiate it from 打つ (which has the same sound but means "to hit"). Write it down in your notebook with an illustration — it works!

Another frequent mistake is confusing 撃つ with 討つ (to kill in battle). Although they are similar, the second is restricted to historical or literary contexts. If you read "織田信長が敵を討つ", it is correct; but saying "蚊を討つ" to kill mosquitoes would sound odd. The rule is simple: use 撃つ for physical or symbolic attacks, and 討つ only for epic narratives.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 撃つ

• 撃つ - base form
• 撃とう - potential
• 撃たれる - passive
• 撃ちます - polite form
• 撃て - imperative

Synonyms and similar words

• 打つ (utsu) - Hit; strike a blow.
• 射つ (utsu) - Shoot; fire.
• 殴る (naguru) - Hit; punch.
• 打ち込む (uchikomu) - Insert; thrust; strike hard.
• 発射する (hassha suru) - Launch; shoot.
• 攻撃する (kougeki suru) - Attack.
• 射撃する (shageki suru) - Fire; take a shot.
• 打ち抜く (uchinuku) - Pierce; to go through with a shot.
• 撃ち落とす (uchio tosu) - Bring down; knock down (something in the air).
• 打ち砕く (uchikudan) - Shatter; crush.
• 打ち倒す (uchitaosu) - Take down; crush (an opponent).
• 打ち負かす (uchimakasu) - Defeat; win.
• 打ち破る (uchiharu) - Break; overcome (an obstacle).
• 打ち出す (uchidasu) - Print; issue; start speaking.
• 打ち消す (uchikesu) - Deny; refute.
• 打ち込み (uchikomi) - Insertion; concentrated attack.
• 打ち合わせる (uchiawaseru) - Gather; discuss.
• 打ち合わせ (uchiawase) - Meeting; conference.
• 打ち出し (uchidashi) - Printing; publishing; advertising.

撃つ

Romaji: utsu
Kana: うつ
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n3, jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: attack; defeat; destroy

Meaning in English: to attack;to defeat;to destroy

Definition: The act of hitting an enemy or target with a weapon, etc.

Example Sentences - (撃つ) utsu

See below some example sentences:

彼は銃を撃った。

Kare wa juu wo utsutta

He shot a gun.

He threw a gun.

• 彼 (kare) - personal pronoun meaning "he"
• は (wa) - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "he"
• 銃 (juu) - noun that means "firearm"
• を (wo) - object particle that indicates that "firearm" is the direct object of the action
• 撃った (utta) - verb in the past that means "shot"