殴る

• Reading: なぐる
• Romaji: naguru
• Kanji breakdown: 殴 (ou/nagu) — strike, hit, beat
• Pronunciation: /na.ɡɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To strike; to hit; to punch. Physical violence using fists or hands.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb conjugated with the る row (殴らない, 殴ります). Specifically refers to hitting with fists or hands — stronger and more violent than 叩く (to slap/tap). Often appears in news reports, crime contexts, and dramatic scenes. The passive form 殴られる (to be hit) is also very common. Related compound: 殴り合い (fistfight).

Examples

1. 怒った男が壁を殴って手を怪我した。 The angry man punched the wall and hurt his hand.
2. いじめっ子にクラスメートが殴られた。 A classmate was punched by the bully.
3. 映画の中でヒーローが悪者を殴るシーンがあった。 There was a scene in the movie where the hero punches the villain.

Usage Guide

Context: conflict, news, storytelling

Tone: strong

Origin & History

The kanji 殴 combines 殳 (striking weapon) and 区 (phonetic), indicating the action of striking forcefully with a weapon or fist.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal