Translation guide
The English word "leap" can refer to a large jump, a sudden movement, a quick increase, or a figurative transition. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
To jump a long distance or high into the air, often with force or grace.
A noun or suru-verb meaning a leap or bound, often used in sports or literary descriptions.
He leaped across the river.
A general verb for jumping, but can imply a leap when context suggests a large jump.
The cat leaped from fence to fence.
Literary or formal term for a leap or bound, often used figuratively for progress.
The athlete leaped over the hurdle.
To move suddenly or quickly, often in a surprising way.
A sudden large increase in number, amount, or level.
A sharp increase or surge, often used for statistics or quantities.
Sales leaped.
To jump up or skyrocket, often used for prices or numbers.
A dramatic advance or leap forward, often in business or sports.
A sudden change, progress, or transition from one state to another.
A leap forward, often used for progress, career advancement, or conceptual jumps.
His career took a leap forward.
A big step, often used metaphorically for a significant advance.
This discovery is a great leap for science.
Dramatic progress or a quantum leap.
Technology made a quantum leap.
An act of believing in or attempting something whose existence or outcome cannot be proved.
The extra day or year in the calendar.
跳躍 (chōyaku) is a formal or literary term. In casual speech, use 跳ぶ (tobu) or more specific verbs like 飛び出す (tobidasu) for sudden movements.
跳躍 (chōyaku) is primarily physical jumping, while 飛躍 (hiyaku) is often figurative (progress, advancement). However, both can overlap in literary contexts.
The dog leaped at the burglar.
彼はベッドから跳ね起きた。
He leaped out of bed.
Prices leaped.
会社は業界で躍進を遂げた。
The company made a leap in the industry.
Leap day comes once every four years.