Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Patrol" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "patrol", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
巡回
じゅんかい (junkai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
遊弋
ゆうよく (yūyoku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "patrol" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 巡回 and 遊弋.
In Japanese, 巡回 (じゅんかい (junkai)) is typically associated with "patrol, round, tour, circuit" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to making regular rounds or visits to various places, often in a fixed order or for a specific purpose.
On the other hand, 遊弋 (ゆうよく (yūyoku)) maps to "to patrol; to cruise; to rove; to loiter (especially for ships, submarines, or large animals)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents This verb. A literal translation of "patrol" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "巡回"
警察官が夜間に町を巡回して安全を確認する。
Police officers patrol the town at night to check for safety.
Bilingual Context for "遊弋"
潜水艦が敵の海域を遊弋していた。
The submarine was patrolling the enemy's waters.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "警察官が夜間に町を ＿＿＿ して安全を確認する。" (Meaning: "Police officers patrol the town at night to check for safety.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "巡回" fits here because it means "patrol, round, tour, circuit" in the context of: "Police officers patrol the town at night to check for safety.". "遊弋" represents "to patrol; to cruise; to rove; to loiter (especially for ships, submarines, or large animals)".