1.
to run; to dash; to sprint
To run swiftly, often with a sense of urgency or energy. More literary and vivid than 走る.
子どもが公園を駆けている。
Children are running around the park.
階段を駆け上がった。
I dashed up the stairs.
ニュースを聞いて、彼は病院に駆けつけた。
Upon hearing the news, he rushed to the hospital.
2.
to gallop; to ride at speed
For a horse or mounted rider to move at full speed. Used in historical and equestrian contexts.
馬が野原を駆けている。
A horse is galloping across the field.
武将は馬を駆けて戦場に向かった。
The general galloped toward the battlefield.
騎手がサラブレッドを駆け、観客の前を一気に駆け抜けた。
The jockey spurred the thoroughbred on, racing past the spectators in a flash.
An ichidan verb. More dynamic and literary than 走る (to run). Often appears in compound verbs.
COMMON COMPOUND VERBS:
- 駆け上がる (dash up)
- 駆け下りる (dash down)
- 駆けつける (rush to the scene)
- 駆け抜ける (dash through)
- 駆け回る (run around)
- 駆け込む (rush into)
SIMILAR WORDS:
走る is the standard neutral word for running. 駆ける is more vivid and implies speed, urgency, or dynamic motion. 疾走する is even more formal and literary.