Translation guide
The English verb 'chase' covers several related ideas: pursuing someone or something, trying to get something, or even romantic pursuit. Japanese uses different words depending on what is being chased and why.
To run after someone or something in order to catch them.
The most common and general verb for physically chasing someone or something. Used for people, animals, or vehicles.
The dog is chasing the cat.
I chased the thief.
Similar to 追いかける but slightly more formal or literary. Also used in abstract senses like chasing a dream.
The police are chasing the criminal.
To strive for something non-physical, like a dream, career, or ideal.
To force someone or something to leave.
To persistently try to start a romantic relationship with someone.
Means to make romantic advances or chase after someone romantically. Can sound a bit old-fashioned or literary.
He persistently chased after her.
In romantic contexts, it can imply chasing after someone who is not interested, often with a negative connotation.
Can sound stalker-ish if used in romantic contexts. Use with care.
To run to catch a departing vehicle.
A natural way to express 'chase after a bus/train' is to say 'run to make it in time for ~'.
I ran to catch the bus. (lit. I ran to be in time for the bus.)
Can be used, but 〜に間に合うように走る is more natural for catching a vehicle.
Both mean 'chase', but 追いかける is more concrete and physical, while 追う can be used in abstract or formal contexts. 追いかける is more common in everyday speech.
The children are chasing the ball.
He is chasing the truth.
追いかける means to chase after, not to chase away. Use 追い払う or 追い出す for driving someone/something away.
The police chased the suspect.
追跡する is a formal term for tracking or pursuing, often used in police contexts.
Stop chasing me!
I'm chasing my dreams.
Chase an ideal.
彼を部屋から追い出した。
I chased him out of the room.
He won't stop chasing her.
I chased after the train, but didn't make it.