How to say "nip" in Japanese

• つねるJLPT N1approx.
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers the sense of nipping or pinching with the fingers, as when teasing someone. Written in kana alone, and it is a less common choice for 'nip' overall.
  彼女かのじょは私の腕うでをきつくつねった。↗

  She pinched my arm sharply.
• 歯を立てるはをたてる
  expression, ichidan verbFor nipping with the teeth — a light or tentative bite rather than a full bite. A less common expression; think of sinking teeth just slightly into something.
• 摘むつむCommon
  godan verb, transitive verbThe most common of the three, but it means snipping, cutting, or trimming something off, such as picking or pinching off part of a plant. It does not describe pinching skin.

Use 「つねる」 for nipping with fingers, 「歯を立てる」 for a light bite, and 「摘む」 for snipping or trimming something off with fingers or a tool.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• つねるto pinch
• 歯を立てるはをたてるto bite
• 摘むつむto snip