How to say "punch" in Japanese

• パンチCommon
  noun, suru verbThe physical punch with the fist, as in boxing or a fight. This loanword is the everyday way to refer to the blow itself, and also covers drinks served in a punch bowl.
  彼かれが謝あやまろうとしていたちょうどそのとき、その人ひとは彼かれの顔かおにパンチをくらわせた。↗

  He was about to apologize when the man punched him in the face.
• 打つうつJLPT N4approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbA verb meaning to hit or strike; it can translate the action 'to punch' but is broader, covering hitting of many kinds, so context must make the punching sense clear.
  階段かいだんから落おちて背中せなかを強つよく打うちました。↗

  I fell down the stairs and hit my back very hard.
• 殴るなぐるJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThe natural verb for punching or striking someone with the fist, typically in a fight or act of violence. Choose this over 打つ when you specifically mean hitting a person.
  ジョージは彼かれの腹はらを殴なぐった。↗

  George hit him in the stomach.
• 迫力はくりょくCommon
  nounNot a physical punch at all; it covers the figurative sense of 'punch' as impact, force, or intensity, as when a performance or speech has punch.
• ブローCommon
  nounA loanword for a blow or punch, used mainly in boxing contexts. For everyday talk about punching, パンチ is the more usual choice.

Use 「パンチ」 or 「ブロー」 for the physical punch (the blow itself), 「打つ」 or 「殴る」 for the action of punching someone, and 迫力 only for figurative 'punch' meaning impact or forcefulness.

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

• パンチpunch (with the fist)
• 打つうつto hit
• 殴るなぐるto strike
• 迫力はくりょくimpressiveness
• ポンチpunch (drink)
• 穿孔機構せんこうきこうpunch (e.g. card, tape)
• 穿孔装置せんこうそうちpunch
• グーパンpunch (with a fist)
• どつくto jab
• いてこますto attack
• 穴開け器あなあけき(hole) punch
• ブローblow
• ポンスpunch (drink)
• 打ち抜くうちぬくto punch (a hole, pattern, etc.)
• ハサミを入れるはさみをいれるto punch (a ticket)
• しばくto hit
• 切るきるto punch (a ticket)