Translation guide
How to express chasing or pursuing someone or something in Japanese, depending on intent and context.
Physically running after someone or something to catch them or follow them.
The most common and natural verb for 'run after' or 'chase' with the intent to catch.
犬が猫を追いかけている。
The dog is running after the cat.
彼は泥棒を追いかけた。
He ran after the thief.
A slightly more formal or literary verb for 'chase' or 'pursue'. Can also be used figuratively.
警察が犯人を追っている。
The police are running after the criminal.
Literally 'follow after', often used when someone leaves and you go after them.
彼女は彼の後を追って部屋を出た。
She ran after him out of the room.
Going after someone to accompany them or see where they go, without the nuance of catching.
Means 'to follow' or 'go after' someone, often with the sense of accompanying or trailing behind.
子供が母親の後をついていった。
The child ran after his mother.
Similar to 追いかける but emphasizes following behind someone.
彼は急いで彼女の後を追いかけた。
He hurriedly ran after her.
Figuratively 'running after' someone in a romantic or obsessive way.
Means to chase around or pester someone, often with a negative connotation of being overly persistent.
彼はいつも彼女を追い回している。
He's always running after her.
Literally 'persistently chase', used for someone who won't leave another alone.
彼はしつこく彼女を追っている。
He keeps running after her persistently.
Trying to catch up to someone ahead in a race or contest.
Means to catch up or gain on someone, often used in sports or competitive contexts.
彼はトップランナーを追い上げている。
He is running after the lead runner.
Do not translate 'run after' literally as 走って後ろに行く or similar. Use the appropriate verb for chasing or following.
走って後ろに行く
run to the back (incorrect for 'run after')