Meaning and Usage
The verb 弾く (ひく) primarily means "to play a string instrument or piano" by plucking or pressing the strings. It is commonly used when talking about musical performance, especially with instruments like the piano, guitar, or violin.
Other Uses
Besides music, 弾く can also mean "to bounce" or "to flick" something, such as bouncing a ball or flicking an object with a finger. It can also mean "to deflect" or "repel," for example, deflecting an attack or repelling something.
Common Collocations and Patterns
- 弾く ピアノ／ギター／バイオリン: to play piano/guitar/violin
- 弦を弾く: to pluck a string
- ボールを弾く: to bounce a ball
- 攻撃を弾く: to deflect an attack
Register and Nuance
弾く is a neutral verb used in both casual and formal contexts when referring to playing instruments. When used for bouncing or deflecting, it is also neutral but less common in everyday conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 弾く (ひく) with 引く (ひく), which means "to pull" or "to draw." Pay attention to the kanji and context to avoid mixing these verbs.