Translation guide
The English word 'runner' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a person who runs, a sliding part of a machine or drawer, a narrow rug, a plant stem, and a messenger. Each meaning uses different Japanese words.
Referring to someone who runs, whether for sport, exercise, or as a messenger.
The most common and direct loanword for a runner in sports or casual contexts.
彼は速いランナーだ。
He is a fast runner.
Formal or written term for a runner, often used in races or relay contexts.
第一走者は彼だ。
He is the first runner.
Literal 'person who runs'. Simple and clear, but less common as a noun than ランナー.
公園で走る人が多い。
There are many runners in the park.
The part of a drawer, sliding door, or machine that moves along a track.
Commonly used for the track or rail itself, but often refers to the sliding mechanism as a whole.
引き出しのレールが壊れた。
The drawer runner broke.
Refers to the sliding part or the act of sliding. Often used in compound words.
Technical term for a slide rail, used in furniture or machinery.
スライドレールを取り付ける。
Install the drawer runner.
A long, narrow rug used in hallways or on stairs.
Loanword used specifically for a narrow carpet runner.
廊下にランナーを敷く。
Put a runner in the hallway.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'long narrow rug'. Clear but less common than ランナー.
階段に細長い敷物を敷いた。
I put a runner on the stairs.
A long, thin stem that grows along the ground and produces new plants, like in strawberries.
Loanword commonly used in botany and gardening.
イチゴのランナーを切る。
Cut the strawberry runners.
Botanical term for a stolon or runner. Rare in everyday conversation.
走出枝で増える植物。
Plants that spread by runners.
A person who carries messages or packages, often running between locations.
Refers to a person sent on errands, often with a nuance of being a gofer.
彼は使い走りをさせられた。
He was made to be a runner.
Historical term for an Edo-period courier. Used only in historical contexts.
この滑りが悪い。
This runner doesn't slide well.
Loanword for a professional messenger or courier.
メッセンジャーが書類を届けた。
The runner delivered the documents.
The runner carried the letter.