Translation guide
Describes moving quickly in various directions, often without a clear purpose, or being very busy with many tasks. Japanese uses different verbs depending on whether the movement is aimless, playful, or frantic, and often uses mimetic words or set phrases.
To run around in a playful, energetic, or aimless way, often by children or animals.
The most direct and common translation. Combines 'run' (走る) and 'go around' (回る). Used for children, pets, or anyone moving around energetically.
The children are running around in the park.
The dog runs around the yard.
Similar to 走り回る but implies more hurried or frantic running around. Often used when someone is dashing about busily.
He ran around the room getting ready.
Mimetic word for small, quick, restless movements, often used for children or small animals running around in a slightly annoying way.
The kid is running around inside the store and being a nuisance.
To be extremely busy, rushing from one task to another, often in a hectic manner.
To run around in a scattered, disorganized way, often in a panic or confusion.
Literally 'go right and left', meaning to run around in confusion or panic, not knowing what to do.
People ran around in confusion because of the fire.
Mimetic word for flustered, hurried movements. Often used when someone is running around in a panic.
I ran around in a fluster because I was about to be late.
Literally running in a circular path, or metaphorically going in circles without progress.
走り回る is neutral and common for any running around. 駆け回る implies more urgency or frantic dashing. Use 走り回る for children playing; use 駆け回る for someone rushing to get things done.
Children run around vs employees dash around
Simply using 走る (to run) without a directional or manner component often misses the 'around' nuance. Use compounds like 走り回る or add mimetic words to convey the scattered or circular movement.
I'm running around preparing for the move.
Emphasizes frantic, exhausting running around. Stronger than 走り回る.
I'm exhausted from running around for work.
Idiomatic phrase meaning to be frantically busy, running around in a flurry. Often used in the form てんてこ舞いだ or てんてこ舞いする.
The shop was running around like crazy with so many customers.
Metaphorical expression for going around in circles, especially in discussions or thoughts, without reaching a conclusion. Not physical running.
The discussion is running around in circles and we can't reach a conclusion.