Translation guide
To hide and wait in order to ambush or surprise someone. In Japanese, this is expressed with specific verbs and set phrases, often with a nuance of stealth or concealment.
To hide and wait for someone in order to attack or capture them.
The most common and direct verb for 'lie in wait' with the intent to ambush. It is a compound of 待つ (wait) and 伏せる (hide/lie down).
We lay in wait for the enemy.
The criminal was lying in wait for the victim in the back alley.
Noun form of 待ち伏せる, used with する. Slightly more formal or descriptive.
The police lay in wait to catch the suspect.
To stake out; to lie in wait for surveillance or observation, often used in police contexts. Implies staying in one place for a long time.
The detectives lay in wait in front of the hideout.
To lurk; to lie hidden, often with a nuance of danger or secrecy. Can be used for animals or people hiding in wait.
Something is lying in wait in the darkness.
To wait for an opportunity, often with a negative or ominous connotation.
To watch for a chance; to lie in wait for an opportunity. Common in both literal and figurative contexts.
He is lying in wait for a promotion opportunity.
To watch intently like a tiger; to lie in wait with fierce determination. A set phrase from classical Chinese, used in formal or literary contexts.
待ち伏せる implies hiding and waiting to attack or capture, often with a surprise element. 張り込む is used for police stakeouts or surveillance, focusing on observation rather than immediate attack.
Do not translate 'lie in wait' literally as 待って横になる (lie down and wait). Use the specific verbs or phrases above.
The rival company is lying in wait, eyeing market share.