How to say "pinch" in Japanese

• ピンチCommon
  nounThe word for the figurative sense: being in a pinch, a tough spot or bind. Use it when a situation turns bad and you are in trouble, not for the physical act of pinching.
  我々われわれは絶体絶命ぜったいぜつめいのピンチに追い込おいこまれた。↗

  We were driven to the wall.
• つまむJLPT N1approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThe verb for the physical act: to pinch or hold something between the fingers, or to pick things up with chopsticks or tweezers. It is usually written in kana alone.
  息いきを止とめて鼻はなをつまみなさい。↗

  Hold your breath and pinch your nostrils.
• 危機ききJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounA noun for a grave crisis, critical situation or emergency. As a translation of 'pinch' it fits only when things are truly dire, not for an ordinary tight spot — that is ピンチ.
  我々われわれは一大いちだい危機ききに直面ちょくめんしている。↗

  We are facing a violent crisis.

Use 「ピンチ」 for the figurative 'pinch' of being in a tight spot, 「つまむ」 for the physical act of pinching with the fingers, and 危機 only for a full-scale crisis or emergency.

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

• ピンチpinch
• つまむto pinch
• 危機ききcrisis
• パクるto filch
• つねるto pinch
• 一撮みひとつまみpinch (of something)
• はさむto catch (e.g. a finger in a door)