How to say "hop" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

ホップCommon
noun, suru verb, intransitive verbThe noun for the hop itself: hopping or jumping on one foot. It names the action directly, fitting games and exercises where a person moves by hopping on one leg.
「さぁ、私のようにホップ、スキップ、ジャンプ」小ちいさい白しろいウサギが言いいました。↗
"Let's play Hop Skip And Jump like me," said the little white rabbit.
はねるJLPT N2approx.Common
ichidan verb, intransitive verbCovers 'hop' as a springing, bouncing movement — to leap, prance, or spring up. It suits light, lively hops, like the bouncy springs of an animal, more than the deliberate one-foot hop that ホップ names.
犬いぬが跳はねるのをごらん。↗
Look at the dog jump.
飛ぶとぶJLPT N5approx.Common
godan verb, intransitive verbThe broad verb for jumping or leaping through the air — to jump, leap, spring, or bound. For 'hop' it fits when the movement is simply a jump or bound, not specifically on one foot.
君きみはどのくらい高たかく跳とべますか。↗
How high can you jump?

Use 「ホップ」 for the one-footed hop itself, 「はねる」 for a light, springing or bouncing hop, and 「飛ぶ」 for hop as a general jump or bound through the air.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

Say it right, write it right