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.
彼は後ろからこっそり近づいた。
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.
物価がじわじわ上がっている。
Prices are creeping up.
When a deadline, date, or event is getting closer, often unnoticed.
Literally 'creep up', often used for sneaking up on someone or something. Can sound slightly dramatic or literary.
猫が獲物に忍び寄る。
The cat creeps up on its prey.
Approach quietly and gently. そっと implies doing something softly or without making noise.
赤ちゃんにそっと近づいた。
I crept up to the baby quietly.
A straightforward way to say 'gradually increase'. More formal than じわじわ.
体重が徐々に増えている。
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.
気温がじりじり上がっている。
The temperature is creeping up.
Means 'to approach' or 'draw near', often used for deadlines or time. Can be used as 締め切りが迫る.
締め切りが迫っている。
The deadline is creeping up.
General verb for 'approach'. Can be used for events or dates. Less urgent than 迫る.
試験の日が近づいている。
The exam date is creeping up.