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.
The dog is chasing the cat.
I chased the thief.
A slightly more formal or literary verb for chasing or pursuing. Often used in compound verbs or set phrases.
The police are chasing the criminal.
A formal or technical term for tracking or pursuing, often used in police or military contexts.
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.
He is chasing his dream.
Can also be used metaphorically for pursuing goals, but often sounds more abstract or literary.
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.
Trying to win someone's affection or attention.
To woo or try to seduce someone. Often used for persistent romantic pursuit.
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'.
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).
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.
The child chased the ball.
Chasing happiness is natural.
He keeps chasing his ideals.
He is chasing a career as a professional soccer player.
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.
He pursued fame.