How to say "prey" in Japanese

• 獲物えものJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounThe word for prey in the literal sense: the animal a predator hunts and takes, and by extension a hunter's catch or game. A lion stalking its prey through tall grass is a typical image.
  ワシは獲物えものめがけて急降下きゅうこうかした。↗

  The eagle dived at its prey.
• 食い物くいものCommon
  nounLiterally 'something to eat', so as 'prey' it is figurative: a person or group treated as something to devour, a victim to be exploited. It is not the word you want for an animal's quarry.
  彼かれは私の信頼しんらいを食くいものにした。↗

  He abused my confidence.

For prey in the literal sense — the animal a predator or hunter hunts and takes — use 獲物; 「食い物」 is figurative prey, a person treated as something to devour, a victim of exploitation, not an animal's quarry.

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

• 獲物えものprey
• 餌食えじきprey (i.e. of a predator)
• 被食者ひしょくしゃprey
• 食い物くいものprey