Japanese word

さまよう

Pronunciation

Romajisamayou

Meaning

  • verbwander

Example

道に迷って、森をさまよいます。michi ni mayo tte mori o sa ma yo i ma su

I get lost and wander through the forest.

Illustration for さまよう (wander)

More examples

猫が夜の街をさまよっています。neko ga yoru no machi o sa ma yo tte i ma su

A cat is wandering through the city at night.

Core concept

It describes moving from place to place without a fixed destination, often because the way is unclear.

Common phrases

  • 街をさまようmachi o sa ma yo u

    wander around town

  • 当てもなくさまようa te mo na ku sa ma yo u

    wander aimlessly

Similar words

迷うmayou: To lose one's sense of direction and be unsure where to go.
うろつくurotsuku: To move around an area without a clear purpose or destination.
さすらうsasurau: To travel from place to place without settling in one place.

Definition in Japanese

行き先を定めず、道に迷うなどしてあちこち歩き回る。i ki saki o sada me zu michi ni mayo u na do shi te a chi ko chi aru ki mawa ru

Word origin

さまよう (samayō) is a native Japanese verb, but its historical formation is not securely established.

Usage tips

  • English learners often associate wander with relaxed travel, but さまよう (samayō) commonly suggests being lost or moving without a clear direction.

Other meanings

  • roamverb
  • strayverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word