Translation guide
How to express 'catch up' in Japanese, covering physical catching up, making up for lost time or work, and social updates.
To reach someone or something ahead of you by moving faster.
The most common and natural verb for physically catching up to a moving person or vehicle.
Go ahead. I'll catch up soon.
He ran and caught up with his friend.
Means 'to chase' or 'pursue', implying the process of trying to catch up rather than the moment of reaching.
The dog is chasing the cat.
To complete tasks that have fallen behind schedule.
Literally 'recover the delay'. Used for making up for lost time in work, studies, or schedules.
I have to catch up on work over the weekend.
Catch up on the studies missed due to illness.
Can also be used metaphorically for catching up with a schedule or level, though 遅れを取り戻す is more explicit for backlogs.
Means 'to recover' or 'regain' a disadvantageous situation, often used in sports or business contexts.
I worked overtime to catch up on the delay.
To talk with someone you haven't seen in a while to share recent news.
Literally 'talk about recent situation'. A natural way to describe catching up socially.
We met after a long time and caught up.
Means 'to have a lot of accumulated stories to tell', implying a long catch-up session.
We caught up and the night grew late.
In casual conversation, simply saying '久しぶり！最近どう？' (Long time no see! How have you been?) initiates a catch-up without a direct translation.
Long time no see! How have you been?
To reach the same level as others, e.g., in skill or knowledge.
The loanword キャッチアップ (kyatchi appu) is sometimes used in business for catching up on trends or information, but it is not natural for social conversations. Use the phrases above instead.
I finally caught up with work.
He finally caught up to his senior's level.