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.
ライオンが獲物を追いかけている。
The lion is chasing its prey.
ワシは獲物を見つけると急降下する。
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.
小魚は大きな魚の餌食になった。
The small fish became prey to the larger fish.
Technical term used in biology/ecology for 'prey species' or 'target of predation'.
この地域では、ウサギがキツネの主な捕食対象だ。
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.
彼は詐欺師の餌食になった。
He fell prey to a scammer.
高齢者が振り込め詐欺の餌食になりやすい。
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'.
あの客はいいカモだ。
That customer is easy prey.
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.
フクロウはネズミを捕食する。
Owls prey on mice.
このヘビはカエルを捕食します。
This snake preys on frogs.
Literally 'to make ~ into food/feed'. Used for animals, but can sound more casual or descriptive.
クモはハエを餌にする。
Spiders prey on flies.
Means 'to hunt'. Can be used for predators hunting prey, but broader than just eating.
オオカミはシカを狩る。
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.
悪徳業者が高齢者を食い物にしている。
Unscrupulous businesses are preying on the elderly.
彼は人の弱みを食い物にする。
He preys on people's weaknesses.
Slang for treating someone as a 'mark' or easy target for scams or exploitation.
あのセールスマンは初心者をカモにしている。
That salesman preys on beginners.
Means 'to take advantage of' or 'to prey upon' someone's weakness or situation. Often used with 弱み (weakness).
彼は人の弱みにつけ込む。
He preys on people's weaknesses.
When a thought, worry, or guilt persistently troubles someone.
Means 'to cause worry/trouble to ~'. Used when something preys on one's mind.
その疑問が彼を悩ませていた。
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.
罪悪感が彼の心を蝕んでいた。
Guilt was preying on his mind.
Means 'can't get out of one's head'. Used for persistent thoughts or worries.
その考えが頭から離れなかった。
The thought was preying on my mind.
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.
The stalker was looking for his next prey.