wander
word
/ˈwɑndɝ/
WAHN-dur
/wˈɒndɐ/
WON-duh
Definition
To move around slowly with no clear direction or plan. It can also mean that your mind stops focusing and starts thinking about other things.
Usage & Nuances
Often suggests relaxed, aimless movement: 'wander around the city', 'wander through a park'. For attention, 'my mind wandered' is very common. It is softer and less negative than 'roam' or 'drift around'. The noun is 'wanderings', but learners most often need the verb.
Spanish: vagar - pasear sin rumboPortuguese (BR): vagar - andar sem rumoPortuguese (PT): deambular - vaguearChinese (Simplified): 漫步 - 游荡 - 走神Chinese (Traditional): 漫步 - 遊蕩 - 走神Hindi: भटकना - इधर-उधर घूमनाArabic: يتجول - يهيم على وجهه - يشرد (بالذهن)Bengali: হাঁটা-চলা করা (উদ্দেশ্যহীন) - ঘুরে বেড়ানো - মন উড়ে বেড়ানোRussian: бродить - блуждать - отвлекаться (мысленно)Japanese: さまよう - 放浪する - （心が）さまようVietnamese: đi lang thang - tâm trí lang thangKorean: 헤매다 - 방황하다Turkish: dolaşmak - başıboş gezmek - dalmak (düşüncelere)Urdu: آوارہ پھرنا - بھٹکنا - خیالوں میں کھو جاناIndonesian: berkeliaran - melamun (pikiran)
Example Sentences
We wandered around the market for an hour.
basic
The dog wandered into our yard.
basic
My mind wanders in long meetings.
basic
We spent the afternoon wandering through little streets and cafés.
natural
Sorry, I missed that last part — my thoughts wandered for a second.
natural
If you wander too far from the group, you might get lost.
natural