鞭(むち)

むち

noun

whip

1. whip, riding crop

A flexible instrument used for striking, especially in horseback riding. Also used figuratively to mean harsh discipline or urging.

馬(うま)に鞭(むち)を入(い)れる。

To whip a horse.

鞭(むち)を打(う)って馬(うま)を走(はし)らせた。

I struck with the whip and made the horse run.

子(こ)どもの教育(きょういく)には飴(あめ)と鞭(むち)のバランスが大切(たいせつ)だと言(い)われている。

It's said that a balance of carrot and stick is important in raising children.

飴(あめ)と鞭(むち) literally means 'candy and whip' — the Japanese equivalent of 'carrot and stick.'

鞭(むち) refers to a whip or riding crop. Used both literally (especially in horseback riding) and figuratively to mean harsh discipline or pushing someone hard.

Common expressions

鞭(むち)を入(い)れる: to whip; figuratively, to spur on or push harder
鞭(むち)を打(う)つ: to strike with a whip
飴(あめ)と鞭(むち): carrot and stick (literally 'candy and whip')
鞭(むち)を振(ふ)るう: to crack the whip, to exercise strict control

Usage

鞭(むち)を入(い)れる is very commonly used figuratively. 自分(じぶん)に鞭(むち)を入(い)れる means to push oneself harder.

Writing

The kanji 鞭(むち) is uncommon in everyday writing. The word is often written in hiragana as むち.

general

Added 2026.2.14 21:48 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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