Beat / Hit

[OVagalume]

Hi, I would like to know the differences (I'm not sure about the preposition) from/between the verb BEAT and HIT (if any). I think that beat has to do with a repetead action and hit with a single one.

I want to use the right verb in a context like:

"Don't beat/hit daddy or your brother, I will punish you".


Please correct me if you find any mistake. Thanks in advance.

 

[Tazzler]

Well, in this case, "beat" to me implies repeated striking (abuse). I would use "hit" in this case. There is also the expression "beat up" which means "beat completely so that wounds and injuries result).

 

[owlman5]

I agree that to beat somebody you have to hit them more than once. That's probably the verb you want to specify that one person has struck another repeatedly.

However, people also use "hit" with the same meaning: He hits her. = He beats her.
This use of "hit" is common. If I were you, I'd stick with "beat" to describe repeated blows. It's more precise.

 

[OVagalume]

Thanks for your explanation about BEAT. However, if there is only a single action, will it be more suitable to use hit?

For instance.

Please, don't hit mum again or I'll punish you.

 

[Tazzler]

You are correct.

 

[owlman5]

That's right. If you're only talking about a single blow, then "hit" works perfectly. You could also use synonyms such as "punch", "strike", or "slap" if you have a particular type of blow in mind:

Don't slap her again. (With an open hand)
Don't punch her again. (With a closed fist)
Don't hit/strike her again. (With a stick)

 

[OVagalume]

Perfect, nice piece of info.

Thanks again