Translation guide
The English word "hound" can be a noun (a type of dog) or a verb (to persistently pursue or harass). This guide covers both uses, with natural Japanese equivalents.
Referring to a hound as a breed of dog, especially one used for hunting.
General term for a hunting dog, including hounds. This is the most common and neutral way to refer to a hound.
He keeps a hound.
Loanword from English, used in breed names or when specifically referring to hound-type dogs in a Western context.
Basset hounds have long ears.
Generic word for 'dog'. Only use if the specific type is clear from context, as it does not convey 'hound' specifically.
Is that dog a hound?
To chase or follow someone persistently, often in a way that is annoying or threatening.
Literally 'chase around'. Implies persistent, often unwanted pursuit. Suitable for both physical chasing and metaphorical hounding.
Reporters are hounding the celebrity.
Means 'to persistently chase'. The adverb しつこく adds the nuance of being annoying or tenacious.
Debt collectors are hounding him.
Means 'to follow around' or 'to shadow'. Often used for stalkers or persistent suitors, but can apply to any annoying pursuit.
Means 'to pester' or 'to nag'. Used when hounding someone for a favor, answer, or action.
The child hounded me to buy a toy.
To subject someone to constant pressure, criticism, or demands, causing distress.
Means 'to assail with questions/criticism' or 'to badger'. Strongly conveys relentless pressure.
The boss hounded his subordinate.
Means 'to corner' or 'to drive into a corner'. Implies hounding someone until they have no escape.
Means 'to harass'. A broader term that can cover hounding as a form of harassment.
He is being hounded by his neighbor.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly corresponds to 'hound'. Using 猟犬する is incorrect. Choose a verb based on the nuance: chasing (追い回す), pestering (しつこくせがむ), or pressuring (責め立てる).
追い回す emphasizes active chasing, often with movement. 付きまとう emphasizes sticking close and being a nuisance, not necessarily involving a chase. For reporters or paparazzi, 追い回す is better; for a stalker who is always nearby, 付きまとう is more natural.
She is being hounded by a stalker.
He was hounded with questions.