How to say "sling" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- godan verb, transitive verbThe verb: to hang or suspend something, to sling it up, or to wear a sword at one's side. Reach for this when 'sling' is a verb, not a noun.
- nounThe noun: a sling as a physical device, such as the bandage sling supporting an injured arm. When you need 'sling' as a noun, this borrowed word is the general choice.
- 背負い革しょいかわnounLiterally a carrying strap: the sling for hauling a load on one's back or shoulder. Outside this carrying-strap sense it is seldom the word you want for 'sling'.
- 投石紐とうせきひもnounThe sling as a weapon: a cord with a pouch for hurling stones. This specific term covers only that weapon; for any other sense of 'sling' it is not the word you want.
- 負い革おいかわnounThe strap for slinging something from the shoulder, such as a firearm sling. Use it when 'sling' means the carrying strap itself rather than the act or the weapon.
Use 「つる」 for the verb 'to sling or hang', 「スリング」 for the noun as a device, 「背負い革」 for a back-carrying strap, 「負い革」 for a shoulder sling such as a firearm's, and 投石紐 only for the stone-hurling weapon.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
