Translation guide
The English word 'chasing' can refer to physically pursuing someone or something, or metaphorically pursuing a goal, dream, or person. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both literal and figurative chasing.
Running after or trying to catch a person, animal, or object.
The most common and general verb for physically chasing or running after someone or something.
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.
A slightly more formal or literary verb for chasing or pursuing. Often used in compound verbs or set phrases.
警察が犯人を追っている。
The police are chasing the criminal.
A formal or technical term for tracking or pursuing, often used in police or military contexts.
警察は容疑者を追跡している。
The police are tracking the suspect.
Striving to achieve something like a dream, career, or ideal.
To pursue or seek after something desirable, like a dream or happiness. Implies a strong desire.
彼は夢を追い求めている。
He is chasing his dream.
幸せを追い求めるのは自然なことだ。
Chasing happiness is natural.
Can also be used metaphorically for pursuing goals, but often sounds more abstract or literary.
彼は理想を追い続けている。
He keeps chasing his ideals.
To aim for or strive toward a goal. Not a direct translation of 'chase', but often used when talking about pursuing a career or objective.
彼はプロのサッカー選手を目指している。
He is chasing a career as a professional soccer player.
Trying to win someone's affection or attention.
To woo or try to seduce someone. Often used for persistent romantic pursuit.
彼は彼女を口説いている。
He is chasing after her (romantically).
Can be used for romantic pursuit, but may sound a bit aggressive or desperate. Often used in the passive form to describe being chased.
A loanword from English, meaning to make advances or approach someone romantically. Softer than 'chase'.
彼は積極的に彼女にアプローチしている。
He is actively chasing her (making advances).
Forcing someone or something to leave.
In English, you might say 'I chased the bus,' but in Japanese, 追いかける implies a prolonged pursuit. For missing a bus and running after it briefly, use バスに乗り遅れそうになって走った (I ran because I was about to miss the bus) or simply バスを逃した (I missed the bus).
バスに乗り遅れそうになって走った。
I ran because I was about to miss the bus.
追いかける is more concrete and physical, while 追う can be used for abstract pursuits (dreams, ideals) and in written language. 追いかける is more common in everyday speech for literal chasing.
子供がボールを追いかけた。
The child chased the ball.
彼は名声を追った。
He pursued fame.
彼女は彼に追いかけられている。
She is being chased by him (romantically).
彼を部屋から追い出した。
I chased him out of the room.