Translation and Meaning of: 追跡 - tsuiseki

The Japanese word 追跡 [ついせき] is a term that sparks curiosity both for its meaning and its use in different contexts. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is written, and in which situations it appears in everyday Japanese life. If you are learning Japanese or simply have an interest in the language, understanding 追跡 can be helpful to expand your vocabulary and learn a bit more about Japanese culture.

Meaning and usage of 追跡

追跡 [ついせき] means "pursuit" or "tracking." It is a word composed of the kanji 追 (to pursue) and 跡 (trace, footprint), which already gives a clear idea of its meaning. It is often used in contexts such as police investigations, monitoring objects, or even in everyday situations, such as following someone on social media.

In Japan, 追跡 is a term that appears quite frequently in the news, especially when discussing security or technology. For example, tracking systems are common in package deliveries or vehicle monitoring. The word can also be used in a more abstract way, such as in "追跡調査" (follow-up research), indicating a study that follows a group over time.

Origin and writing of 追跡

The origin of 追跡 is directly linked to the combination of the kanjis that make it up. The first kanji, 追, comes from the verb 追う (ou), which means "to chase" or "to follow." The second kanji, 跡, represents "mark" or "trace," something that is left behind. Together, they create the idea of following a trail, whether physical or metaphorical.

It is worth noting that 追跡 is not an ancient or rare word. It is part of modern vocabulary and is widely understood in Japan. Its pronunciation, ついせき, follows the standard rules of Japanese, without significant dialectal variations. Those learning to write it should pay attention to the stroke order, especially in the kanji 跡, which has a slightly more complex structure.

Curiosities and tips for memorization

An effective way to memorize 追跡 is to associate it with concrete situations. For example, think of a detective following clues (追) left at a location (跡). This mental image helps to fix not only the meaning but also the writing of the kanjis. Another tip is to use the word in simple sentences, like "The police chased the criminal" (警察が犯人を追跡した).

In the cultural context, 追跡 appears in various animes and police dramas, often linked to suspenseful scenes. If you consume this type of content, paying attention when the word is used can be a natural way to absorb it. Furthermore, in video games, especially strategy ones, 追跡 is a common term in mechanics related to pursuit or tracking targets.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 追いかける (oikakeru) - To chase, to run after something or someone.
• 追う (ou) - To pursue, to follow someone or something, with a broader and less intense meaning than "追いかける".
• 追いつく (oi tsuku) - To reach, to catch up with someone or something that is being followed.
• 追い回す (oi mawasu) - To pursue insistently, usually with a connotation of intense stalking.
• 追及する (tsuikyuu suru) - Investigate or pursue someone with the focus of understanding, holding able, or discovering something.