Translation guide
The English verb 'prowl' describes moving quietly and secretly, often with a negative or predatory intent. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent. Instead, learners should choose expressions based on the nuance: sneaking around, lurking with bad intentions, patrolling like an animal, or wandering restlessly.
To move around quietly and secretly, typically while planning something bad or looking for an opportunity to commit a crime.
A common verb meaning to loiter or hang around suspiciously. It implies aimless but potentially threatening movement.
夜中に変な男が家の周りをうろついていた。
A strange man was prowling around the house in the middle of the night.
A more formal or literary term for wandering or prowling. Often used in news reports or written descriptions.
不審者が深夜に住宅街を徘徊していた。
A suspicious person was prowling the residential area late at night.
Literally 'to walk around sneakily.' Emphasizes the furtive, secretive manner of movement.
泥棒が家の中をこそこそ歩き回っていた。
The burglar was prowling around inside the house.
To move around an area like a hunting animal, searching for prey or waiting to attack.
Also works for predatory animals, though it can sound slightly casual. Often used with animals like stray dogs or big cats.
空腹のライオンが獲物を求めてうろついている。
A hungry lion is prowling in search of prey.
Can be used for animals, especially in written or formal contexts, but it lacks the specific predatory nuance.
オオカミが森の中を徘徊している。
A wolf is prowling through the forest.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'to walk around looking for prey.' It explicitly states the hunting intent.
トラが縄張りを獲物を探して歩き回っている。
The tiger is prowling its territory, looking for prey.
To walk back and forth in a restless, anxious, or watchful manner, not necessarily with bad intentions.
A neutral verb meaning 'to walk around.' It can convey restless movement when combined with context like 'back and forth' or 'restlessly.'
彼は心配で部屋の中を歩き回った。
He prowled the room in worry.
Means 'to go back and forth.' It captures the repetitive, restless movement of prowling when anxious or waiting.
彼女は電話を待ちながら廊下を行ったり来たりしていた。
She was prowling the hallway while waiting for the phone call.
An onomatopoeic verb meaning to wander around restlessly or aimlessly. It can sound slightly negative or suspicious, but is often used for harmless loitering.
子供たちが退屈して庭をうろうろしていた。
The bored children were prowling around the yard.
To move around a place like a bar or club, looking for a potential partner, often with a predatory or aggressive connotation.
Literally 'to search for prey.' This is a common metaphorical expression for prowling for romantic or sexual partners, especially in nightlife contexts.
彼は毎晩クラブで獲物を探している。
He prowls the clubs every night looking for a hookup.
Means 'to hit on' or 'to pick up' someone. It specifically refers to the act of approaching someone with romantic or sexual intent, often in public places.
彼は街で女の子をナンパして回っている。
He prowls the streets hitting on girls.
There is no single Japanese verb that perfectly matches 'prowl.' Using a direct dictionary translation like うろつく in all contexts can sound unnatural. Choose the expression that best fits the specific nuance: stealthy criminal intent, animal hunting, restless movement, or searching for a partner.
うろつく is more common in everyday speech and carries a slightly negative, suspicious tone. 徘徊する is more formal and often used in written language or news reports. For animal prowling, うろつく is acceptable but 徘徊する may sound more literary.