Translation guide
How to express 'jump back' in Japanese, covering physical backward jumps, sudden recoils, and figurative returns.
To leap or spring backward, often to avoid something or return to a previous position.
The most common and natural verb for jumping back, especially to dodge or avoid something. Implies a quick, startled movement.
To jerk or spring back in surprise, fear, or disgust, without necessarily leaving the spot.
To go back to a previous point in time, memory, or narrative.
Used when a conversation or story jumps back to an earlier topic. 'The conversation jumps back.'
話が飛びますが、先週の件について教えてください。
Jumping back a bit, could you tell me about last week's matter?
Avoid directly translating 'jump back' as ジャンプバック or 跳んで戻る. These sound unnatural. Use context-appropriate verbs like 飛び退く for physical dodging or のけぞる for recoiling.
飛び退く implies a quick, reflexive jump to avoid danger. 後ろに跳ぶ is a neutral description of jumping backward, often used in sports or instructions.
A car came, so I instinctively jumped back.
蛇を見て、彼は飛び退いた。
He jumped back when he saw the snake.
Literally 'jump backward'. A more descriptive phrase, used when the direction is emphasized.
彼は後ろに跳んで、ボールを避けた。
He jumped back to avoid the ball.
To jump back and down, often from a height or to a lower position. Less common in daily speech.
彼は舞台から跳び下がった。
He jumped back off the stage.
To recoil or throw one's upper body back, often in shock or disgust. Can be used for physical or emotional reactions.
その臭いに、彼はのけぞった。
He recoiled at the smell.
To flinch, wince, or shrink back, often from fear or intimidation. Focuses on the momentary hesitation.
彼は相手の剣幕にひるんで、一歩後ろに下がった。
He flinched at the other's fury and stepped back.
To stagger back or recoil, often due to surprise or a strong impact. Slightly literary.
突然の大声に、彼はたじろいだ。
He staggered back at the sudden loud voice.
To go back to a previous point, used in discussions, presentations, or narratives.
少し前に戻って、その点をもう一度説明します。
Let's jump back a bit and explain that point again.
Loanword for 'flashback', used in film, literature, or psychology. Not a verb; use with する.
そのシーンで、主人公の過去にフラッシュバックする。
In that scene, it flashes back to the protagonist's past.