Translation guide
A person who searches for mineral deposits, especially gold. In Japanese, this is typically expressed with specific nouns or descriptive phrases.
To refer to someone who explores an area for valuable minerals, especially gold.
Standard term for a prospector, literally 'mineral exploration person'. Suitable for formal and general contexts.
彼はアラスカで探鉱者として働いていた。
He worked as a prospector in Alaska.
Literally 'mountain master', historically refers to a prospector or mining speculator. Can carry a slightly old-fashioned or adventurous nuance.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'person who searches for gold'. Clear and natural in casual conversation.
あの川で金を探す人が何人かいる。
There are several people prospecting for gold at that river.
More general term for 'explorer' or 'surveyor', can be used for prospectors in a technical sense, but less specific.
資源探査者が新しい鉱床を発見した。
Resource prospectors discovered a new mineral deposit.
ゴールドラッシュの時代、多くの山師が西部に向かった。
During the gold rush, many prospectors headed west.