Translation guide
How to express 'creep up' in Japanese, covering physical sneaking, gradual increase, and approaching deadlines.
To approach someone quietly and secretly, often to surprise them.
A natural way to say 'sneak up' or 'approach stealthily'. こっそり means secretly/stealthily.
He crept up from behind.
To rise slowly over time, such as prices, numbers, or feelings.
じわじわ is an onomatopoeia for something spreading or increasing gradually. Used for prices, tension, etc.
When a deadline, date, or event is getting closer, often unnoticed.
Means 'to approach' or 'draw near', often used for deadlines or time. Can be used as 締め切りが迫る.
Literally 'creep up', often used for sneaking up on someone or something. Can sound slightly dramatic or literary.
The cat creeps up on its prey.
Approach quietly and gently. そっと implies doing something softly or without making noise.
I crept up to the baby quietly.
Prices are creeping up.
A straightforward way to say 'gradually increase'. More formal than じわじわ.
My weight is creeping up.
じりじり implies a slow but steady rise, often with a sense of impatience. Used for stock prices, temperatures, etc.
The temperature is creeping up.
The deadline is creeping up.
General verb for 'approach'. Can be used for events or dates. Less urgent than 迫る.
The exam date is creeping up.