Translation guide
The English word 'travelling' can refer to the general activity of going on trips, the act of moving from place to place, or the state of being on a journey. In Japanese, different words and phrases are used depending on the nuance.
I love travelling.
Expressing the activity of travelling for leisure, business, or personal reasons.
The most common and general word for 'travel' or 'trip'. It implies going somewhere for a purpose, often for pleasure.
I plan to travel in Japan next month.
I love travelling.
A slightly more literary or poetic way to say 'to travel' or 'to go on a journey'. Often implies a longer or more meaningful trip.
He is travelling around the world.
Noun meaning 'journey' or 'travel'. Often used in compound words or set phrases.
I capture memories of my travels in photos.
Describing the state of being a traveller or the act of moving around continuously.
Means 'to continue travelling' or 'to keep travelling'. Suitable for describing a nomadic lifestyle.
She quit her job and is continuing to travel.
Means 'wandering' or 'roaming'. Implies travelling without a fixed destination, often for an extended period.
Referring to the physical act of going from one location to another, often as part of a job or daily routine.
General word for 'movement' or 'travel' from one place to another. Used for commuting, business trips, or any change of location.
I travel a lot for work.
Specifically means 'business trip'. Use this when the travelling is work-related.
Emphasizing the aspect of visiting places for sightseeing or leisure.
Means 'sightseeing' or 'tourism'. Often used in the phrase 観光旅行 (sightseeing trip).
I enjoyed sightseeing in Kyoto.
旅行 (ryokou) is the standard word for 'travel' or 'trip', often implying a planned journey with a clear purpose. 旅 (tabi) has a more poetic or adventurous nuance, suggesting a journey with personal meaning or discovery. 旅 is common in literature and song lyrics.
In English, 'travelling' can be used as a gerund (e.g., 'Travelling is fun'). In Japanese, it's more natural to use the noun form 旅行 or the verb phrase 旅行する rather than trying to create a gerund equivalent.
彼はアジアを放浪している。
He is wandering around Asia.
I read books while travelling.
来週、大阪に出張します。
I'm travelling to Osaka on business next week.
I want to go on a sightseeing trip.