Translation guide
The English word 'leaping' describes a forceful, energetic jump, often with great distance or height. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what is leaping and the nuance you want to convey.
To describe a person or animal making a powerful, springing jump.
A noun or suru-verb meaning 'leap' or 'jump', often used for athletic or dramatic leaps. Can feel slightly formal or literary.
彼は跳躍して川を渡った。
He leaped across the river.
The most common verb for 'jump' or 'leap'. Used for people, animals, and objects. Often implies a springing motion.
猫が塀から跳んだ。
The cat leaped from the fence.
Means 'to jump around' or 'leap about', often repeatedly or in excitement.
子供たちが庭で飛び跳ねている。
The children are leaping around in the garden.
To emphasize clearing an obstacle with a jump.
Literally 'jump over'. The standard way to say leap over a fence, puddle, etc.
彼は柵を飛び越えた。
He leaped over the fence.
Similar to 飛び越える, but slightly less common. Can also mean 'to skip over' in a sequence.
To describe a sudden upward jump.
Means 'to leap up' or 'spring up'. Often used for surprise or to reach something high.
驚いて跳び上がった。
I leaped up in surprise.
Literary or dramatic way to say 'leap up', often with joy or excitement.
To describe a sudden forward movement, often in attack or pursuit.
Means 'to leap at' or 'pounce on'. Used for attacking or grabbing.
犬が泥棒に飛びかかった。
The dog leaped at the burglar.
Means 'to leap out' or 'jump out', often suddenly from a hiding place.
To describe a sudden large increase or advance.
Means 'to jump up' or 'soar', used for prices, numbers, etc.
物価が跳ね上がった。
Prices leaped up.
Noun meaning 'rapid advance' or 'leap forward', often in business or technology.
跳ぶ (とぶ) is used for leaping or springing off a surface, while 飛ぶ (とぶ) is for flying through the air. For a person jumping, 跳ぶ is correct; for a bird flying, use 飛ぶ. However, in many compound verbs, 飛び～ is used even for leaping (e.g., 飛び越える).
跳躍 (ちょうやく) sounds dramatic or athletic. For everyday jumping, use 跳ぶ or ジャンプする.
The rabbit leaped over the log.
彼は喜びで躍り上がった。
He leaped for joy.
猫が箱から跳び出した。
The cat leaped out of the box.
会社は大きな躍進を遂げた。
The company made a great leap forward.