Translation guide
The English verb 'walk' covers a range of movement on foot, from casual strolling to purposeful going. Japanese uses different verbs depending on intent, manner, and context. This guide helps learners choose the most natural expression.
To move by putting one foot in front of the other, without specifying purpose or destination.
The most common and neutral verb for walking. Use for general statements about walking as an action.
I walk for 30 minutes every day.
Let's walk to the station.
Formal or technical term for walking, often used in written contexts like signs or medical descriptions.
Pedestrians, please walk on the right side.
To travel to a destination by walking, emphasizing the act of going.
Literally 'walk and go'. Use when the destination is mentioned and the focus is on the journey by foot.
I walk to school.
It's a 10-minute walk from the station.
Means 'go on foot'. Slightly more formal than 歩いていく, often used in written directions or when emphasizing the mode of transport.
It's a 5-minute walk from the station.
To walk as an activity for enjoyment, health, or relaxation.
Means 'to take a walk' or 'to stroll'. Implies a leisurely, often aimless walk for pleasure.
Let's take a walk in the park.
I often take a walk after dinner.
Loanword from English 'walking', used specifically for walking as exercise or a fitness activity.
I do walking for my health.
To walk with someone, often to guide or accompany them.
To specify walking as opposed to other forms of movement like running or crawling.
The te-form of 歩く, used adverbially to mean 'by walking' or 'on foot'. Often contrasted with running or using a vehicle.
Don't run, please walk.
I'll walk instead of taking the bus.
To take a dog for a walk.
歩く is the general verb for walking, while 散歩する specifically means a leisurely stroll. Use 歩く for purposeful walking or when the destination matters, and 散歩する for recreational walks.
The English word 'walk' is sometimes used in Japanese as ウォーク, but only in compound nouns like ウォーキング (walking as exercise) or ウォークマン (Walkman). Using ウォーク alone as a verb is unnatural.
Shall I walk you to the station?