ハイカー

はいかー
noun
hiker
1. hiker; person who hikes
A person who goes on hikes, typically walking for recreation in nature, mountains, or trails. In Japanese usage, ハイカー usually refers to casual day hikers, as opposed to serious mountain climbers (登山家(とざんか)).
山道(やまみち)でハイカーに()った。
I met a hiker on the mountain path.
週末(しゅうまつ)には(おお)くのハイカーがこの公園(こうえん)(おとず)れる。
On weekends, many hikers visit this park.
(あき)紅葉(こうよう)シーズンになると、カラフルな装備(そうび)のハイカーたちが(やま)(にぎ)わせる。
When the autumn foliage season arrives, hikers in colorful gear fill the mountains with life.

ハイカー implies lighter, more recreational outdoor walking than serious mountain climbing. Day hikes and well-maintained trails are the typical context.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ハイカーが(おお)い: there are many hikers
  • ハイカーとすれ(ちが)う: to pass a hiker (on a trail)
  • 日帰(ひがえ)りハイカー: day hiker
  • 初心者(しょしんしゃ)ハイカー: beginner hiker

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 登山者(とざんしゃ): mountain climber, mountaineer — a more serious hiker/climber, often for technical or high-altitude mountains
  • 登山家(とざんか): mountaineer, alpinist — a dedicated or professional mountain climber
  • ハイキング: hiking (the activity) — the noun for the activity itself, often said as ハイキングに}{行()く (to go hiking)
  • トレッカー: trekker — used for longer, multi-day hiking expeditions

USAGE:
ハイカー is the person; the activity is ハイキング. For longer, more demanding mountain walks, especially in the Japanese Alps, 登山者(とざんしゃ) is more appropriate.