Translation guide
The English word "stampede" can refer to a sudden rush of a crowd or animals, often in panic, or metaphorically to a sudden mass movement. In Japanese, different words and phrases are used depending on what is rushing and why.
To describe a sudden, panicked rush of a crowd of people, often resulting in danger or injury.
Literally 'crowd avalanche', this is the standard term for a human stampede where people are pushed forward uncontrollably, often in a confined space.
コンサート会場で群集雪崩が起きた。
A stampede occurred at the concert venue.
Literally 'falling like shogi pieces', this describes a domino-effect fall in a crowd, often leading to a stampede. It emphasizes the collapsing aspect.
出口で将棋倒しが発生し、多くの人が怪我をした。
A domino-effect fall occurred at the exit, and many people were injured.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'to rush in a panic'. It is more general and can be used for any panicked rush.
火災報知器が鳴り、人々はパニックになって出口に殺到した。
The fire alarm went off and people panicked and stampeded to the exit.
To describe a sudden, panicked rush of animals, such as cattle, horses, or wild animals.
Means 'running wild' or 'rampaging'. It is commonly used for animals that are out of control and rushing, though it can also apply to vehicles or people.
牛の群れが暴走して、柵を壊した。
The herd of cattle stampeded and broke the fence.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'to startle and run away'. It is a natural way to describe animals fleeing in panic, though it lacks the connotation of a massive, crushing rush.
雷の音で馬が驚いて逃げ出した。
The horses were startled by the thunder and stampeded.
To describe a sudden, unthinking rush of people to do something, such as buying a product or joining a trend.
Means 'rush' or 'flood' of people or things. It is the most common word for a metaphorical stampede, such as a rush to buy tickets or apply for a job.
新製品の発売日に、店に客が殺到した。
On the release day of the new product, customers stampeded to the store.
An adverb phrase meaning 'each trying to be first' or 'scrambling'. It vividly describes a competitive rush.
セールが始まると、客が我も我もと商品に飛びついた。
When the sale started, customers stampeded to grab the items.
The English word 'stampede' is often translated directly as スタンピード, but this is rarely used in natural Japanese. Use the context-appropriate terms above instead.