1.
stealthy steps; tiptoeing; sneaking
Walking very quietly so as not to be noticed or heard. Often used with the particle で to describe the manner of walking.
忍び足で部屋を出た。
I left the room on tiptoe.
赤ちゃんを起こさないように忍び足で歩いた。
I walked stealthily so as not to wake the baby.
猫が忍び足で獲物に近づいていく様子は、まるで忍者のようだ。
The way the cat creeps toward its prey on stealthy feet is just like a ninja.
USAGE:
Most commonly used with で as an adverbial phrase: 忍び足で歩く (to walk stealthily), 忍び足で近づく (to approach stealthily).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 忍び足で歩く (to walk on tiptoe)
- 忍び足で近づく (to sneak up on)
- 忍び足で出る (to sneak out)
NUANCE:
Evokes a vivid image of quiet, careful movement. Often used in narrative and descriptive writing. Can apply to both humans and animals.