1.
to scatter, to sprinkle, to spread
To distribute something by scattering or sprinkling it over an area. Used for liquids (water), powders (salt), seeds, or other things spread broadly.
庭に水を撒いた。
I sprinkled water in the garden.
道に塩を撒いて凍結を防ぐ。
They spread salt on the road to prevent freezing.
節分には豆を撒いて鬼を追い払う風習がある。
At Setsubun, there is a custom of scattering beans to drive away demons.
2.
to shake off, to give the slip
To evade or lose a pursuer by running away or taking evasive action.
尾行を撒いた。
I shook off the tail.
記者たちを撒いて裏口から出た。
I gave the reporters the slip and left through the back door.
追いかけてくる相手を何とか撒くことができた。
I managed to shake off the person chasing me.
TRANSITIVITY:
Transitive (他動詞). Takes を for what is scattered or who is shaken off.
ASPECT (ている):
撒いている describes an ongoing scattering action.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 水を撒く: to sprinkle water
- 塩を撒く: to spread salt
- 豆を撒く: to scatter beans (Setsubun)
- 尾行を撒く: to shake off a tail
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 蒔く: to sow (seeds, specifically for planting)
- 撒く: to scatter, to sprinkle (broader, not necessarily for planting)
- 巻く: to wind, to wrap (different kanji and meaning)