Translation and Meaning of: 辿る - tadoru

The Japanese word 辿る [たどる] carries deep meanings and interesting uses in the daily life of Japan. If you are learning Japanese or simply curious about this expression, understanding its context can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of 辿る, as well as tips for memorizing it correctly.

辿る is a verb that appears in everyday situations, but also in more philosophical or literary contexts. Studying it helps not only to expand knowledge of the language but also to understand nuances of Japanese culture. Let’s explore its writing in kanji as well as examples of how it is used in real conversations.

Meaning and usage of 辿る

辿る means "to follow a path", "to pursue" or "to trace", but it can also convey the idea of "reviving" or "ing" something from the past. It is a verb that conveys a sense of movement, whether physical or mental. For example, it can be used to describe someone following a trail in the forest as well as a person reconstructing old memories.

In practice, 辿る appears in various contexts. In narratives, it is commonly found describing journeys or processes of discovery. In everyday use, it can be used more simply, such as when talking about following instructions or clues. This versatility makes it a valuable word for those who want to express themselves more naturally in Japanese.

Origin and writing of the kanji 辿

The kanji 辿 is composed of the radical 辶 (which indicates movement) combined with 山 (mountain). This structure suggests the idea of "following a path between mountains," which reflects its original meaning well. Although it is not one of the most common kanji, its composition helps to understand its relationship with trajectories and routes.

It is worth noting that 辿る is a verb from group 1 (godan), which influences its conjugation. Although it is not extremely common, its correct use demonstrates an advanced level of proficiency in the language. Students often encounter it in literary texts or more elaborate discussions, where the nuance of "to follow step by step" is necessary.

Tips for memorizing and using 辿る

An effective way to memorize 辿る is to associate it with concrete situations. Think of detective stories following clues or someone recalling past events. This connection with vivid images makes memorization easier. Another strategy is to practice with short sentences, like 道を辿る (follow the path), naturally incorporating it into your vocabulary.

Additionally, paying attention to the radical 辶 helps to recognize other verbs related to movement, such as 逃れる (to escape) or 進む (to advance). This type of connection between kanjis accelerates learning and allows for understanding patterns in the Japanese language. Over time, using 辿る (to trace) correctly becomes intuitive, especially in contexts that require precision.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 辿る

• たどる Neuter form of the verb in Japanese
• たどります - Polite form of the verb in Japanese
• たどった - Past form of the verb in Japanese
• たどって - Form て of the verb in Japanese.

Synonyms and similar words

• たどる (tadoru) - follow a path, outline the course
• 追う (ou) - to pursue, to follow someone or something
• 追跡する (tsuiseki suru) - follow, track something or someone
• 追いかける (oikakeru) - to chase, to run after something or someone
• 探る (saguru) - investigate, search through careful inquiry
• 踏査する (tansa suru) - to investigate or explore a location, often in a research context
• 捜索する (sousaku suru) - search or actively seek, especially in contexts of searching for people or things
• 追究する (tsuikyuu suru) - to investigate deeply, generally in formal or academic contexts
• 追及する (tsuikyuu suru) - to pursue a question or issue, usually with the intention of holding someone able
• 追い求める (oi motomeru) - search intensely, often for dreams or aspirations