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.
He leaped across the river.
The most common verb for 'jump' or 'leap'. Used for people, animals, and objects. Often implies a springing motion.
The cat leaped from the fence.
Means 'to jump around' or 'leap about', often repeatedly or in excitement.
The children are leaping around in the garden.
To emphasize clearing an obstacle with a jump.
To describe a sudden upward jump.
To describe a sudden forward movement, often in attack or pursuit.
To describe a sudden large increase or advance.
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.
ウサギが丸太を跳び越した。
The rabbit leaped over the log.
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.