Translation guide
The English verb 'crouch' describes lowering the body by bending the knees, often to avoid being seen, to protect oneself, or to prepare for action. Japanese uses different verbs depending on the posture and purpose.
To describe the action of bending one's knees and lowering the body close to the ground, without specifying a particular stance.
The most common and general verb for crouching down, typically with both feet on the ground and knees bent. Used for everyday actions like tying shoelaces or looking at something low.
He crouched down to tie his shoelaces.
Please crouch down to take the photo.
Often implies bending forward from the waist as well as bending the knees. Can be used for stooping or ducking, e.g., to avoid a low ceiling.
The ceiling is low, so I have to crouch (stoop).
To describe a posture where the heels are lifted and the person balances on the front part of the feet, often used in sports or when ready to move quickly.
Specifically means to crouch with knees drawn up and heels off the ground, often in a huddled or defensive posture. Common in sports contexts or when hiding.
The cat is crouching in the corner.
Emphasizes the action of lowering oneself into a crouch and staying there. Similar to 'crouch down' with a nuance of settling in.
To describe crouching with the purpose of making oneself smaller to avoid being seen or hit.
Literally 'bend one's body', used when ducking or crouching to avoid something, such as a low branch or to hide behind something.
He crouched to avoid the bullets.
Means to lie flat or crouch low to the ground, often for concealment or protection. More prone than a simple crouch.
To describe a posture of cowering or huddling due to fear, often with a connotation of helplessness.
Means to cower or shrink back in fear. Often used in the form 'すくみ上がる' (to be petrified). Describes a frozen, crouching posture from terror.
The dog crouched (cowered) at the sound of thunder.
Literally 'shrink up', used when someone hunches or crouches making themselves small, often from cold, fear, or embarrassment.
しゃがむ is a general crouch with feet flat or heels down, used in daily life. うずくまる implies heels up, often in a ready or defensive stance. Use しゃがむ for tying shoes; use うずくまる for a baseball catcher or someone hiding.
English 'crouch' covers many postures. Directly translating 'crouch' as かがむ in all cases may sound unnatural. Choose the verb that matches the specific posture and intent.
The athlete crouched at the starting line.
彼は疲れて道端にしゃがみ込んだ。
He was tired and crouched down by the roadside.
兵士たちは草むらに伏せた。
The soldiers crouched (lay low) in the grass.
She was crouching (huddled) in the corner from fear.