Translation guide
The English word 'leapfrog' can refer to a children's game, a physical jumping action, or a metaphorical act of surpassing someone or something. This guide covers how to express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the game where children jump over each other's bent backs.
This is the standard Japanese word for the game 'leapfrog'. Literally 'horse jumping'.
The children are playing leapfrog.
Describing the action of jumping over someone or something in a leapfrog manner.
A general verb meaning 'to jump over' or 'to leap over'. Can be used for people or objects.
He leapfrogged over the fence.
A more descriptive phrase explicitly comparing the action to the game.
Metaphorically moving ahead of someone by skipping stages or by rapid advancement.
Means 'to overtake' or 'to pass'. Commonly used for surpassing others in competition, work, or progress.
He leapfrogged his rival to take the lead.
Literally 'to skip a grade'. Used when someone advances by skipping a level, especially in education or career.
Means 'to advance by leaps and bounds' or 'to skip steps'. Emphasizes rapid, discontinuous progress.
Means 'to get ahead of' or 'to beat someone to it'. Often used when someone takes an opportunity before others.
I'm frustrated that he leapfrogged me.
Bypassing an intermediate step, often in technology, development, or procedures.
The English word 'leapfrog' is not used as a direct loanword in Japanese. Avoid using リープフロッグ, as it is not commonly understood.
追い越す is used for physically passing someone or overtaking in a race or ranking. 先を越す is more about being preempted or beaten to an opportunity, often with a nuance of frustration.
He leapfrogged over his friend like in the game.
She leapfrogged into university by skipping a grade.
The company leapfrogged to the top of the industry.
The new technology leapfrogged traditional stages and spread.