How to say "nudge" in Japanese

• つつくJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers the physical sense of nudging as light, repeated poking, such as nudging someone with a finger or elbow to get their attention. Best for gentle, repeated contact.
  藪やぶをつついてヘビを出だす。↗

  It's not good to wake a sleeping snake.
• 突くつくJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbCovers poking, prodding and pushing with a single, more forceful motion, so it suits a firmer nudge or thrust. For a soft, attention-getting nudge, つつく is usually the better choice.

For the physical sense of 'nudge', 「つつく」 fits repeated light pokes, while 「突く」 covers sharper pokes, prods and pushes; neither is for figurative nudging.

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

• つつくto poke (repeatedly, lightly)
• つっつくto poke (repeatedly, lightly)
• 突くつくto poke