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.
犬が猫を追いかけている。
The dog is chasing the cat.
泥棒を追いかけた。
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.
警察が犯人を追っている。
The police are chasing the criminal.
To strive for something non-physical, like a dream, career, or ideal.
Literally 'chase and seek'. Used for actively pursuing dreams, ideals, or happiness.
彼は夢を追い求めている。
He is chasing his dream.
Can also be used for abstract pursuits, especially in set phrases.
理想を追う。
Chase an 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.
彼は彼女にしつこく言い寄った。
He persistently chased after her.
In romantic contexts, it can imply chasing after someone who is not interested, often with a negative connotation.
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 ~'.
バスに間に合うように走った。
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.
電車を追いかけたが、間に合わなかった。
I chased after the train, but didn't make it.
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.
子供たちがボールを追いかけている。
The children are chasing the ball.
彼は真実を追っている。
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.
警察は容疑者を追跡した。
The police chased the suspect.
追跡する is a formal term for tracking or pursuing, often used in police contexts.
追いかけるのをやめて！
Stop chasing me!
夢を追いかけています。
I'm chasing my dreams.
彼を部屋から追い出した。
I chased him out of the room.
Can sound stalker-ish if used in romantic contexts. Use with care.
彼は彼女を追いかけるのをやめない。
He won't stop chasing her.