Translation guide
The English word 'prey' can be a noun (an animal hunted for food, a victim) or a verb (to hunt, to exploit, to weigh heavily on the mind). This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to an animal that is hunted and eaten by another animal.
General term for prey or game; can also mean catch or loot. Used for animals hunted by predators or humans.
The lion is chasing its prey.
When an eagle spots its prey, it swoops down.
Prey or victim, often with a nuance of being devoured. Can sound more literary or dramatic.
The small fish became prey to the larger fish.
Technical term used in biology/ecology for 'prey species' or 'target of predation'.
In this area, rabbits are the main prey of foxes.
A person who is targeted or taken advantage of by someone.
Used for a person who falls victim to a scam, crime, or predator. Conveys being 'devoured' or exploited.
He fell prey to a scammer.
Elderly people are easy prey for wire transfer scams.
Can be used metaphorically for a person targeted by a predator or criminal, but less common than 餌食 for victims.
Slang for a 'mark' or easy target, especially in scams or gambling. Literally 'duck'.
The action of a predator hunting and feeding on other animals.
Standard verb meaning 'to prey on' or 'to feed on' in a biological sense. Use with the prey as object.
Owls prey on mice.
This snake preys on frogs.
Literally 'to make ~ into food/feed'. Used for animals, but can sound more casual or descriptive.
Spiders prey on flies.
Means 'to hunt'. Can be used for predators hunting prey, but broader than just eating.
Wolves prey on deer.
Taking advantage of someone's vulnerability for gain.
Idiom meaning 'to prey on' or 'to exploit' someone, treating them as a source of profit. Strong negative connotation.
Unscrupulous businesses are preying on the elderly.
He preys on people's weaknesses.
Slang for treating someone as a 'mark' or easy target for scams or exploitation.
Means 'to take advantage of' or 'to prey upon' someone's weakness or situation. Often used with 弱み (weakness).
When a thought, worry, or guilt persistently troubles someone.
Means 'to cause worry/trouble to ~'. Used when something preys on one's mind.
The question was preying on his mind.
Literally 'to eat away at one's heart/mind'. Stronger, more dramatic expression for something that deeply troubles or torments.
Means 'can't get out of one's head'. Used for persistent thoughts or worries.
獲物 is the neutral word for prey (animals hunted), while 餌食 emphasizes being devoured and is often used for victims of crime or disaster. 餌食 can sound more dramatic or literary.
English 'prey on one's mind' is idiomatic. Do not translate literally with 獲物 or 餌食. Use phrases like 悩ませる or 頭から離れない instead.
ストーカーは次の獲物を探していた。
The stalker was looking for his next prey.
That customer is easy prey.
That salesman preys on beginners.
He preys on people's weaknesses.
Guilt was preying on his mind.
The thought was preying on my mind.