Translation guide
Describes moving quickly in various directions, often without a clear purpose, or being very busy with many tasks. Japanese uses different verbs depending on whether the movement is aimless, playful, or frantic, and often uses mimetic words or set phrases.
To run around in a playful, energetic, or aimless way, often by children or animals.
The most direct and common translation. Combines 'run' (走る) and 'go around' (回る). Used for children, pets, or anyone moving around energetically.
子供たちが公園で走り回っている。
The children are running around in the park.
犬が庭を走り回る。
The dog runs around the yard.
Similar to 走り回る but implies more hurried or frantic running around. Often used when someone is dashing about busily.
彼は部屋の中を駆け回って準備をした。
He ran around the room getting ready.
Mimetic word for small, quick, restless movements, often used for children or small animals running around in a slightly annoying way.
子供が店の中でちょろちょろして迷惑だ。
The kid is running around inside the store and being a nuisance.
To be extremely busy, rushing from one task to another, often in a hectic manner.
Also used metaphorically for being busy running around doing errands or work. Very common.
今日は一日中走り回っていた。
I've been running around all day today.
引っ越しの準備で走り回る。
I'm running around preparing for the move.
To run around in a scattered, disorganized way, often in a panic or confusion.
Literally 'go right and left', meaning to run around in confusion or panic, not knowing what to do.
火事で人々が右往左往した。
People ran around in confusion because of the fire.
Mimetic word for flustered, hurried movements. Often used when someone is running around in a panic.
遅刻しそうであたふた走り回った。
I ran around in a fluster because I was about to be late.
Literally running in a circular path, or metaphorically going in circles without progress.
Uses the mimetic word ぐるぐる (spinning, going around) with 走る. For literal circular running.
犬が庭をぐるぐる走っている。
The dog is running around in circles in the yard.
Metaphorical expression for going around in circles, especially in discussions or thoughts, without reaching a conclusion. Not physical running.
議論が堂々巡りで結論が出ない。
The discussion is running around in circles and we can't reach a conclusion.
走り回る is neutral and common for any running around. 駆け回る implies more urgency or frantic dashing. Use 走り回る for children playing; use 駆け回る for someone rushing to get things done.
子供が走り回る vs 社員が駆け回る
Children run around vs employees dash around
Simply using 走る (to run) without a directional or manner component often misses the 'around' nuance. Use compounds like 走り回る or add mimetic words to convey the scattered or circular movement.
Emphasizes frantic, exhausting running around. Stronger than 走り回る.
仕事で駆けずり回って疲れた。
I'm exhausted from running around for work.
Idiomatic phrase meaning to be frantically busy, running around in a flurry. Often used in the form てんてこ舞いだ or てんてこ舞いする.
客が多くて店はてんてこ舞いだった。
The shop was running around like crazy with so many customers.