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A2 verb 13 min de lectura

追う

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos 追う en 30 segundos

Explicación 追う in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic meaning of 追う (ou): to chase. Imagine a simple scene like a cat chasing a mouse. In Japanese, we say 'ねこがねずみを追う' (Neko ga nezumi o ou). While you might more often hear 'oikakeru' in simple stories, knowing 'ou' is helpful because it's the root word. At this stage, just remember that it is a verb used when one thing is moving after another thing. You can use it for simple sports, like 'ball chase' (ボールを追う). Remember that it is a 'u' verb, so its polite form is 'oimasu.' Don't worry too much about the abstract meanings yet. Just visualize the physical action of running behind something to catch it. You will see the kanji 追 in many places, so learning it early is a great way to build your kanji foundation. Practice saying 'I chase the dog' or 'The child chases the ball' to get comfortable with the [Object] を追う structure. This simple transitive pattern is the building block for everything else you will learn about this verb later on. It's a short, easy-to-pronounce word, making it perfect for beginners to add to their action verb vocabulary.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 追う (ou) in more varied contexts. You should be comfortable with its basic physical meaning, but now you can add the common metaphorical meaning: chasing a dream (夢を追う). This is a very common phrase in Japanese and is easy to remember. You should also learn the passive form, 追われる (owareru). This is used when *you* are the one being chased. A very common A2-level phrase is '時間に追われる' (to be chased by time), which is a natural way to say you are busy. You should also be able to conjugate the verb into different forms: 追います (polite), 追わない (negative), and 追った (past). Notice the small 'tsu' in 'otta.' You might also see it in the context of following a simple sequence, like 'following the signs' on a road. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 追う and 追いかける. Remember that 追いかける is usually for physical running in daily life, while 追う can be used for dreams or in written stories. Try writing a short diary entry about a dream you are pursuing or a time you were very busy and felt 'chased by time.' This will help solidify the word in your active vocabulary.

By the B1 level, you should have a firm grasp of the nuance between 追う (ou) and its many synonyms. You can use 追う to describe more complex scenarios, such as following a news story (ニュースを追う) or tracking a trend (流行を追う). You should also be familiar with the set phrase '順を追って' (jun o otte), which means 'in order' or 'step-by-step.' This is incredibly useful for giving presentations or explaining processes. You'll start to see 追う in more formal texts and literature where it carries a sense of 'pursuit of an ideal' or 'investigation of a mystery.' You should also understand the difference between 追う and 追求する (tsuikyuu suru), where the latter is more about intense, often scholarly or professional pursuit. In conversation, you can use the passive '追われる' more naturally to describe being overwhelmed by tasks (仕事に追われる). You should also be aware of compound verbs like 追い越す (oikosu - to overtake) and 追い付く (oitsuku - to catch up), which are built from the root 追う. Your ability to use 追う in both physical and abstract senses will make your Japanese sound much more natural and expressive. Practice explaining a hobby or a goal you have using 追う and its related forms.

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At the B2 level, you are expected to use 追う (ou) with precision in professional and academic settings. You should be able to use it to describe the chronological development of a historical event or a scientific process (歴史を追う, 経過を追う). This level requires an understanding of the word's register; you know that 追う is often preferred in writing and formal reporting over the more colloquial 追いかける. You should also be comfortable with its use in business contexts, such as 'pursuing market share' (シェアを追う) or 'following the movement of the stock market' (市場の動きを追う). The passive form 追われる can be used more figuratively, such as 'being chased by the past' (過去に追われる) in a literary discussion. You should also be able to recognize and use idiomatic expressions involving 追う, such as '二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず' (He who runs after two hares will catch neither). Your understanding of the kanji 追 should extend to its use in many compound words like 追及 (tsuikyuu - cross-examination), 追悼 (tsuitou - memorial), and 追放 (tsuihou - exile). At this stage, 追う is not just a verb but a key component of your advanced vocabulary, allowing you to discuss complex social and psychological phenomena.

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At the C1 level, your use of 追う (ou) should be sophisticated and nuanced. You can use it to describe the subtle 'pursuit' of an artistic style or the 'tracking' of philosophical thought through different eras. You understand how 追う functions in high-level journalism to imply a deep, persistent investigation (真相を追う). You are also sensitive to the poetic and literary uses of the word, such as 'following the trail of a lost love' or 'pursuing the fleeting beauty of nature.' Your grammatical control is perfect, allowing you to use 追う in complex causative-passive or honorific structures if necessary, though it's more common in its standard forms. You can distinguish between '追う' and similar formal terms like '踏襲する' (toshuu suru - to follow/tread in the footsteps of a predecessor) or '準拠する' (junkyo suru - to be based on/follow a standard). You can also use the noun form 追い (oi) in specific contexts like '追い風' (oikaze - tailwind). At this level, you can engage in deep analysis of Japanese texts where 追う is used to create specific moods or to highlight the relentless nature of a character's journey. You should be able to explain the etymological roots of the word and how its meaning has evolved from physical driving-away to modern abstract pursuit.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 追う (ou) and can use it in any context with perfect stylistic appropriateness. You can appreciate the word's use in classical literature or archaic legal documents where it might mean 'to banish' or 'to expel.' You are fully aware of the psychological weight the word can carry in modern literature, symbolizing the human condition of always striving for something just out of reach. You can use 追う in highly technical discussions about data tracking or historical methodology without hesitation. You understand the most subtle differences between 追う and its synonyms in every possible register, from street slang to the most formal imperial Japanese. You can effortlessly switch between the active pursuit of 追う and the existential pressure of 追われる to convey complex emotional states. Your mastery includes all idiomatic, proverbial, and metaphorical uses, and you can even play with the word's meanings in creative writing or puns. 追う is no longer a word you 'know'; it is a tool you use with total precision to shape your message, whether you are writing a doctoral thesis, a legal brief, or a piece of contemporary fiction. You are also capable of teaching the nuances of this word to others, explaining its role in the broader landscape of the Japanese language and culture.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

追う en 30 segundos

追う means to chase or pursue, used for both physical targets and abstract goals like dreams.
It is a transitive verb that typically uses the particle を for the object being pursued.
The passive form 追われる is very common for expressing being busy or pressed for time.
It differs from 追いかける, which is more common for immediate, physical running in daily speech.

The Japanese verb 追う (ou) is a versatile and essential word that primarily translates to 'to chase,' 'to pursue,' or 'to follow.' While its most basic application involves physical movement—such as a predator chasing its prey or a child running after a ball—it encompasses a wide range of abstract and metaphorical meanings that are vital for achieving fluency in Japanese. In the physical sense, 追う implies a directional movement where the subject is trying to close the gap between themselves and a moving target. This could be a police officer chasing a suspect (犯人を追う) or a player chasing a ball in a sports match (ボールを追う).

Physical Pursuit: The act of moving quickly behind someone or something to catch them. Example: 警察が逃走車を追う (The police chase the getaway car).

Beyond the physical, 追う is frequently used to describe the pursuit of goals, dreams, and ideals. This is where the word gains its emotional and aspirational weight. When a student says they are 'chasing their dream' (夢を追う), they are using 追う to express a dedicated, ongoing effort toward a difficult objective. This usage is common in literature, motivational speeches, and daily conversation about one's career or personal life.

彼は長年の夢を追うために、仕事を辞めた。(He quit his job to pursue his long-held dream.)

Another critical nuance of 追う is its application to time and sequence. It can mean to follow a specific order or to be pressed by time. When used in the passive form, 追われる (owareru), it often describes being 'chased' by deadlines or responsibilities, a common sentiment in the modern Japanese workplace. For instance, '仕事に追われる' (to be swamped with work) literally means to be chased by work. Furthermore, 追う can be used in the context of driving something away or expelling it, though this is less common in modern daily speech compared to its other meanings. In historical or formal contexts, it might refer to driving out an enemy or a spirit. In journalism, you will often see 追う used to describe 'following' a news story or 'tracking' a trend. A reporter might 'pursue the truth' (真実を追う) or 'follow the latest fashion' (流行を追う). This suggests a diligent, investigative approach.

最新のトレンドを追うのは大変だ。(It is hard to keep up with/pursue the latest trends.)

Understanding the breadth of 追う allows learners to transition from simple descriptions of movement to complex discussions about life goals, professional stress, and societal trends. It is a 'Godan' verb, meaning its conjugation follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in 'u'. Its simplicity in form belies its richness in meaning. Whether you are reading a manga about a hero chasing a villain or a business article about chasing market share, 追う is the bridge that connects these varied concepts.

Abstract Pursuit: Seeking out non-physical things like dreams, truth, or profits. Example: 利潤を追う (To pursue profit).

In summary, 追う is a high-frequency verb that every A2 learner should master. It provides the linguistic tools to describe not just where we are going, but what we are striving for and what pressures are pushing us from behind. Its kanji, 追, combines the 'road' radical with a 'mound' or 'army' component, suggesting a movement along a path with purpose and intensity.

Using 追う (ou) correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical structure and the specific particles it pairs with. Most commonly, 追う is a transitive verb that takes the particle を (wo) to indicate the object being chased or pursued. The basic sentence structure is [Subject] が [Object] を追う. For example, '犬が猫を追う' (The dog chases the cat). This simple structure works for both physical and abstract objects.

Transitive Usage: Standard usage where an actor pursues a target. Example: 夢を追う (Pursue a dream).

When discussing physical pursuit, the nuance is often one of following a trail or path. If you are following someone's footsteps, you would say '足跡を追う' (following footsteps). This implies a logical progression. In sports, you might hear '背中を追う' (chasing someone's back), which means trying to catch up to a leader in a race or competition.

彼は先行するランナーの背中を懸命に追った。(He desperately chased the back of the leading runner.)

One of the most important variations of 追う is the compound verb 追いかける (oikakeru). While 追う is often used for the general concept of pursuit or in written Japanese, 追いかける is the go-to verb for the literal, physical act of running after someone in spoken Japanese. If you see a thief and start running, you would yell '追いかけろ!' (Chase him!). Using 追う in that context might sound a bit too formal or dramatic, like a line from a detective novel. The passive form, 追われる (owareru), is extremely common and carries the meaning of 'to be chased' or 'to be pressed.' In everyday life, people often say '時間に追われている' (I am being chased by time/I am pressed for time). This is a very natural way to express being busy. Similarly, '借金に追われる' means to be hounded by debt.

締め切りに追われて、昨日は徹夜した。(Chased by the deadline, I stayed up all night yesterday.)

Conjugation follows the standard 'u' verb pattern: dictionary form 'ou', polite form 'oimasu', negative 'owanai', and past 'otta'. Note the small 'tsu' in the past tense (った), which is typical for verbs ending in 'u', 'tsu', or 'ru'.

Conjugation Table: Dictionary: 追う (ou) | Polite: 追います (oimasu) | Past: 追った (otta) | Te-form: 追って (otte) | Passive: 追われる (owareru).

In more formal or academic writing, 追う can be used to describe following a sequence of events. For example, '歴史を追う' (to follow the course of history). Here, it doesn't mean running after history, but rather examining it in chronological order. This usage is common in textbooks and documentaries. Finally, consider the phrase '順を追って' (jun o otte), which means 'step by step' or 'in order.' This is a very useful set phrase for giving instructions or explaining a process. It literally means 'following the order.' By mastering these patterns, you can use 追う to describe everything from a simple game of tag to a complex historical analysis or the stress of a modern job.

順を追って説明します。(I will explain it in order / step by step.)

You will encounter 追う (ou) in a wide variety of real-world Japanese contexts, ranging from the evening news to popular anime and daily workplace conversations. Understanding where it appears helps you grasp its natural frequency and register. In the world of news and media, 追う is a staple word for investigative journalism. Reporters often talk about 'following a lead' or 'pursuing a story.' If a major scandal breaks, you might see headlines like '汚職の真相を追う' (Pursuing the truth of the corruption). Here, the word conveys a sense of persistence and dedication to uncovering hidden facts.

News & Media: Used for investigative reporting and following ongoing events. Example: 事件の行方を追う (Following the developments of the case).

In entertainment, especially in shonen anime and manga, 追う is used constantly. Characters are always chasing their dreams (夢を追う) or chasing after a rival (ライバルを追う). It provides a sense of narrative momentum. When a character says '俺はあいつの背中を追っている' (I am chasing his back), it implies they are striving to reach the same level of skill or fame as their rival. This metaphorical usage is deeply embedded in Japanese pop culture, symbolizing growth and ambition.

彼は世界一のプロ棋士になる夢を追っている。(He is pursuing his dream of becoming the world's best Shogi player.)

In the Japanese workplace, the passive form 追われる (owareru) is perhaps more common than the active form. Employees often express their stress by saying they are 'chased by work' (仕事に追われる) or 'chased by emails' (メールに追われる). It creates an image of a person running to stay ahead of an ever-growing pile of tasks. This is a culturally significant way of expressing being overwhelmed without sounding overly complaining; it frames the work as an external force acting upon the person. Sports commentary is another place where 追う is frequently heard. Whether it's a baseball player chasing a fly ball (フライを追う) or a soccer player pursuing the ball (ボールを追う), the word describes the physical focus and movement of the athletes. It captures the intensity of the moment. In a marathon, commentators will talk about the 'chase group' (追う集団) trying to catch the leader.

外野手が必死にボールを追ったが、ホームランになった。(The outfielder desperately chased the ball, but it became a home run.)

In academic and historical contexts, you will hear 追う used to describe chronological explanations. A professor might say, '順を追って説明します' (I will explain following the order/chronologically). This is a very polite and clear way to structure a lecture or a presentation. It signals to the listener that there is a logical flow to the information.

Academic Context: Used for explaining things in a sequence or chronological order. Example: 時代を追って変化を見る (Look at changes over the eras).

Finally, in legal or crime-related contexts, 追う is used for tracking suspects. Police reports might state that they are 'pursuing the suspect's whereabouts' (容疑者の行方を追う). This sounds professional and official. In all these settings, 追う maintains its core meaning of directional pursuit, but its flavor changes from the excitement of a dream to the stress of a deadline or the precision of a historical study.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 追う (ou) is confusing it with 追いかける (oikakeru). While both mean 'to chase,' they are not always interchangeable. 追いかける is much more common for physical, immediate actions. If you see a friend walking away and you run to catch them, you should use 追いかける. Using 追う in this situation sounds overly dramatic or like you are writing a novel.

Mistake: Literal vs. Abstract: Using 'ou' for a simple physical chase in casual conversation. Better to use 'oikakeru' for physical actions.

Another common error is the misuse of particles. Because 追う is a transitive verb, it requires the object marker を (wo). Learners sometimes mistakenly use に (ni) because they think of 'following to' someone. However, '人におう' is incorrect; it must be '人を追う'. On the other hand, the passive form 追われる (owareru) *does* use に to indicate the thing that is doing the chasing (e.g., 仕事に追われる - being chased by work).

❌ 締め切りを追われている。
✅ 締め切りに追われている。(I am being chased by the deadline.)

Learners also struggle with the nuance of 'following' vs. 'obeying.' In English, 'to follow' can mean to obey rules or follow a leader's instructions. In Japanese, 追う does not mean to obey. If you want to say 'follow the rules,' you should use 守る (mamoru) or 従う (shitagau). Using 追う for rules would imply you are physically chasing the rules down the street! There is also a confusion between 追う and 続く (tsuzuku). While both can relate to things happening in a sequence, 続く means 'to continue' or 'to follow after' (intransitive), whereas 追う is the active pursuit. For example, if one car follows another, you might use 続く if they are just in a line, but 追う if one is trying to catch the other.

Mistake: Sequence vs. Pursuit: Confusion with 'tsuzuku' (to follow in sequence). Use 'ou' when there is an active effort to keep up or catch up.

❌ ルールを追う。
✅ ルールに従う。(Follow/Obey the rules.)

A subtle mistake involves the use of 追う in romantic contexts. While 'chasing' someone you like is a common metaphor in English, in Japanese, '人を追う' can sound a bit aggressive or predatory if not used carefully. Usually, 追いかける (oikakeru) or more specific romantic verbs like 慕う (shitau - to yearn for) or アプローチする (to approach/make a move) are preferred. Lastly, don't forget the conjugation of the 'te-form.' It is 追って (otte), not おいて (oite). 'おいて' is the te-form of 置く (oku - to put). Using the wrong one can completely change the meaning of your sentence from 'chasing' to 'putting/leaving.' Always double-check those small 'tsu' sounds in Godan verbs!

To truly master 追う (ou), it's helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific nuance that makes it suitable for different situations. The most common alternative is 追いかける (oikakeru). As mentioned before, this is the go-to for physical chasing. It is a compound of 追う (chase) and かける (run/dash). It emphasizes the action and speed of the pursuit.

追いかける (Oikakeru): Immediate, physical pursuit. Used in daily speech for running after someone or something. Example: 逃げた犬を追いかける (Chasing the dog that ran away).

Another related verb is 追跡する (tsuiseki suru). This is a more formal, technical term often translated as 'to track' or 'to trail.' You will hear it in police reports, scientific contexts (tracking a satellite), or data analysis (tracking user behavior). It implies a systematic or technological method of following.

警察はGPSを使って犯人の車を追跡した。(The police tracked the suspect's car using GPS.)

If you want to talk about pursuing a goal with great intensity, you might use 追求する (tsuikyuu suru). This is commonly used for abstract concepts like 'pursuing the truth' (真実を追求する) or 'pursuing profit' (利益を追求する). While 追う can also be used for these, 追求する sounds more academic, professional, and deliberate. For following a leader or an example, 倣う (narau) or 従う (shitagau) are better choices. 倣う means to emulate or model oneself after something, while 従う means to obey or follow instructions. If you are following a fashion trend, you can use 追う, but if you are following a mentor's example, 倣う is more appropriate.

従う (Shitagau): Following rules, orders, or a person in authority. Example: 指示に従う (Follow instructions).

When it comes to 'driving away' or 'expelling,' 追い出す (oidasu) or 追い払う (oiharau) are more specific than the simple 追う. 追い出す means to kick someone out (like from a room), and 追い払う means to brush or drive something away (like a fly or an intruder).

ハエを追い払うために手を振った。(I waved my hand to drive away the fly.)

Finally, consider 辿る (tadoru). This means to follow a path, a sequence of events, or a trail. It is often used for 'following a map' or 'tracing history.' It has a more careful, step-by-step nuance than the more energetic 追う. By understanding these alternatives, you can choose the word that perfectly matches the speed, formality, and nature of the 'following' you want to describe.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The kanji 追 consists of the 'road' radical (辶) and a character (𠂤) that originally depicted a small hill or a group of people/army. This suggests the image of an army marching along a road or pursuing an enemy.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /oʊ.uː/

US /oʊ.uː/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. For 'ou', the pitch is typically Low-High (Atamadaka or Heiban depending on dialect, but standard is often Heiban).

Rima con

Kou (to request) Sou (to accompany) Tou (to ask) Mou (to say - humble) Kuu (to eat) Suu (to smoke/inhale) Nuu (to sew) Yuu (to say)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing it as a single syllable like 'oh'.
Confusing it with 'au' (to meet).
Incorrectly stressing the first vowel.
Forgetting the small 'tsu' in the past tense 'otta'.
Mixing it up with 'oku' (to put).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

The kanji is simple and the verb is short, but abstract meanings appear in difficult texts.

Escritura 2/5

Easy to write, but requires remembering the Godan conjugation rules.

Expresión oral 3/5

Choosing between 'ou' and 'oikakeru' requires some practice for natural flow.

Escucha 2/5

Easy to hear, though it can be confused with 'au' or 'ou' (king) in fast speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

行く (iku) 走る (hashiru) 夢 (yume) 警察 (keisatsu) ボール (booru)

Aprende después

追いかける (oikakeru) 追求する (tsuikyuu suru) 従う (shitagau) 逃げる (nigeru) 捕まえる (tsukamaeru)

Avanzado

踏襲する (toshuu suru) 追及する (tsuikyuu suru - legal) 駆逐する (kuchiku suru) 追悼する (tsuitou suru) 追随する (tsuizui suru)

Gramática que debes saber

Godan Verb Conjugation

追う (ou) -> 追います (oimasu), 追った (otta)

Passive Form for Pressure/Busyness

仕事に追われる (shigoto ni owareru)

Transitive Verb with を

夢を追う (yume o ou)

Te-form for Sequence

順を追って説明する (explain in order)

Continuous State with ～ている

理想を追っている (pursuing ideals)

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Ejemplos por nivel

いぬがねこをおう。

The dog chases the cat.

Simple Subject が Object を Verb structure.

こどもがボールをおう。

The child chases the ball.

Direct object marked with を.

わたしはともだちをおいます。

I chase my friend (polite).

Polite form -imasu.

だれをおっていますか？

Who are you chasing?

Present continuous -te iru form.

うさぎをおわないでください。

Please don't chase the rabbit.

Negative request -nai de kudasai.

あの子はちょうちょうをおった。

That child chased a butterfly.

Past tense -otta.

くるまがバスをおう。

The car chases the bus.

Basic transitive verb usage.

おとうとがわたしをおう。

My younger brother chases me.

Family member subjects.

彼は大きな夢を追っている。

He is pursuing a big dream.

Abstract usage: dreams.

警察が犯人の車を追った。

The police chased the criminal's car.

Past tense of physical pursuit.

最近、仕事に追われています。

Lately, I've been swamped with (chased by) work.

Passive form 'owareru' meaning 'to be busy'.

締め切りに追われて忙しい。

I'm busy, being chased by a deadline.

Passive form + adjective.

犬が公園でボールを追う。

The dog chases the ball in the park.

Location marked with で.

彼女は流行を追うのが好きだ。

She likes following (chasing) trends.

Nominalized verb + suki.

足跡を追って森に入った。

I followed the footprints and entered the forest.

Te-form used for sequence of actions.

毎日、時間に追われている気がする。

I feel like I'm being chased by time every day.

Passive form + 'ki ga suru' (to feel like).

順を追って説明してください。

Please explain it in order.

Set phrase 'jun o otte'.

記者は事件の真相を追った。

The reporter pursued the truth of the case.

Journalistic context.

彼は理想を追うあまり、現実を忘れた。

He pursued his ideals so much that he forgot reality.

'V-u amari' (so much that...).

借金に追われる生活は苦しい。

Life being hounded by debt is painful.

Passive form used for financial pressure.

私たちはその星の動きを追った。

We tracked the movement of that star.

Scientific tracking.

流行を追うのではなく、自分らしさを大切にしたい。

I want to value my own style rather than following trends.

'No dewa naku' (rather than).

犯人は今も警察に追われている。

The criminal is still being pursued by the police.

Continuous passive form.

物語の展開を追うのが楽しい。

Following the development of the story is fun.

Abstract pursuit of a narrative.

企業は利益を追うだけでなく、社会貢献もすべきだ。

Companies should not only pursue profit but also contribute to society.

'Dake de naku' (not only... but also).

二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず。

He who chases two hares catches neither.

Famous Japanese proverb.

歴史の変遷を追うと、興味深い事実が見えてくる。

Following the transitions of history reveals interesting facts.

Chronological pursuit.

彼は常に新しい技術を追っている。

He is always pursuing new technology.

Professional pursuit of knowledge.

そのドキュメンタリーは、絶滅危惧種の生活を追ったものだ。

That documentary followed the lives of endangered species.

Observational pursuit.

多くの若者が成功を追って都会へ出る。

Many young people go to the city in pursuit of success.

Social trend context.

彼はライバルの背中を追って、練習に励んだ。

He chased his rival's back and worked hard at practice.

Metaphorical 'back' (senaka o ou).

事件の行方を注意深く追う必要がある。

It is necessary to carefully follow the outcome of the case.

Formal necessity 'hitsuyou ga aru'.

筆者は、日本近代文学の潮流を緻密に追っている。

The author meticulously tracks the trends of modern Japanese literature.

Academic/Literary analysis.

その研究は、細胞の分裂過程を時間ごとに追ったものだ。

The research tracked the process of cell division hour by hour.

Scientific observation/tracking.

彼は権力を追う過程で、多くの友人を失った。

In the process of pursuing power, he lost many friends.

Political/Psychological pursuit.

時代の要請に追われて、その制度は変更された。

Driven (chased) by the demands of the times, the system was changed.

Passive form for societal pressure.

真理を追う探究心こそが、科学の発展を支えてきた。

It is the spirit of inquiry pursuing truth that has supported the development of science.

Philosophical pursuit.

過去の栄光を追っても、虚しいだけだ。

Even if you chase past glory, it is only empty.

Concessive form '-te mo'.

データの推移を追うことで、市場の予測が可能になる。

By tracking the transition of data, market forecasting becomes possible.

Statistical tracking.

彼女の視線は、遠ざかっていく船を追っていた。

Her gaze followed the ship as it moved further away.

Visual pursuit (gaze).

彼は世俗の欲を捨て、ただ道を追う求道者となった。

He cast aside worldly desires and became a seeker pursuing only the 'Way'.

Spiritual/Literary context.

政界から追われた彼は、隠遁生活を送っている。

Having been driven out (expelled) from the political world, he is living in seclusion.

Expulsion meaning of 'ou'.

その小説は、一族の三代にわたる数奇な運命を追っている。

The novel follows the strange fates of three generations of a family.

Narrative tracking over generations.

空理空論を追うのではなく、実務に即した議論が必要だ。

Rather than pursuing abstract theories, we need discussions based on practical work.

Critique of abstract pursuit.

彼は執念深くその謎を追い続けた。

He continued to pursue that mystery with tenacity.

Compound form 'oi-tsuzukeru'.

移ろいゆく季節の彩りを追って、彼は旅に出た。

He set out on a journey, chasing the colors of the changing seasons.

Poetic pursuit of nature.

多忙を極め、一刻の猶予もなく仕事に追われる日々だ。

Extremely busy, these are days of being chased by work without a moment's delay.

High-level expression of extreme busyness.

古の賢者の足跡を追うことで、智慧を得ようとした。

He sought to gain wisdom by following the footsteps of ancient sages.

Metaphorical following of predecessors.

Colocaciones comunes

夢を追う

犯人を追う

時間に追われる

流行を追う

ボールを追う

真相を追う

順を追って

利益を追う

背中を追う

足跡を追う

Frases Comunes

二兎を追う

— Chasing two things at once. Usually part of a proverb about failing at both.

二兎を追うのはやめなさい。

仕事に追われる

— To be extremely busy with work. It implies the work is overwhelming.

最近、ずっと仕事に追われている。

理想を追う

— To pursue an ideal or a perfect version of something.

彼は高い理想を追っている。

流行の先端を追う

— To chase the leading edge of fashion or trends.

彼女は常に流行の先端を追う。

夢追い人

— A 'dream chaser'; someone who pursues their dreams regardless of difficulty.

彼は永遠の夢追い人だ。

影を追う

— To chase a shadow; to pursue something that isn't real or is already gone.

過去の影を追っても意味がない。

後を追う

— To follow behind someone, or sometimes to follow someone in death (suicide).

彼は父の後を追って医者になった。

時代を追う

— To follow the times; to keep up with societal changes.

時代を追うのは容易ではない。

数字を追う

— To chase numbers; focusing too much on statistics or sales figures.

営業職は数字を追うのが仕事だ。

光を追う

— To chase the light; seeking hope or a positive direction.

暗闇の中で光を追う。

Se confunde a menudo con

追う vs 追いかける

Learners use 'ou' for physical running when 'oikakeru' is more natural in speech.

追う vs 従う

Learners use 'ou' to mean 'obey rules' which is incorrect.

追う vs 会う

Similar pronunciation (au vs ou), but completely different meanings.

Modismos y expresiones

"二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず"

— If you try to do two things at once, you will fail at both.

二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ずというから、一つに絞ろう。

Proverb

"人の後を追う"

— To follow in someone's footsteps or imitate them.

彼は偉大な学者の後を追っている。

Neutral

"風を追う"

— To chase the wind; to pursue something futile or impossible.

そんな計画は風を追うようなものだ。

Literary

"名声を追う"

— To chase fame or reputation.

彼は名声を追うことに必死だ。

Neutral

"死出の旅の供を追う"

— To follow someone to the grave (archaic/dramatic).

主君の後を追って自害した。

Historical

"利を追う"

— To chase profit, often implying greed.

利を追うばかりでは信頼を失う。

Neutral

"雲を追う"

— To chase clouds; to have unrealistic or vague ambitions.

彼は雲を追うような夢ばかり語る。

Literary

"跡を追う"

— To follow a trail or to follow someone's example.

警察は犯人の跡を追った。

Neutral

"流行を追う"

— To follow fashion trends religiously.

彼女は常に流行を追うことに余念がない。

Neutral

"夢を追う"

— To pursue one's dreams with passion.

夢を追う若者を応援したい。

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

追う vs 追いかける

Both mean 'to chase'.

Oikakeru is for immediate physical action. Ou is for long-term goals, sequence, or literary pursuit.

泥棒を追いかける (Chase a thief) vs 夢を追う (Pursue a dream).

追う vs 続く

Both relate to things following each other.

Tsuzuku is intransitive (something follows). Ou is transitive (someone actively pursues).

雨が続く (Rain continues) vs 理想を追う (Pursue ideals).

追う vs 従う

Both can be translated as 'to follow'.

Shitagau means to obey or follow a leader/rule. Ou means to chase or follow a path.

命令に従う (Follow orders) vs 犯人を追う (Chase a criminal).

追う vs 追求する

Both mean to pursue abstract things.

Tsuikyuu is more formal, academic, and implies a deep search for an answer or profit.

真理を追求する (Pursue truth).

追う vs 辿る

Both mean to follow a trail.

Tadoru implies a slow, careful following of a path or history. Ou is more active pursuit.

記憶を辿る (Trace back memories).

Patrones de oraciones

[Subject] が [Object] を追う。

ねこがねずみをおう。

[Subject] は [Dream/Goal] を追っている。

彼は夢を追っている。

[Subject] は [Time/Work] に追われている。

私は仕事に追われている。

順を追って [Verb]。

順を追って話します。

[Subject] の背中を追う。

先輩の背中を追う。

[Abstract Concept] を追う [Noun]。

真理を追う探究心。

[Subject] から追われる。

故郷から追われる。

[Object] を追い続ける。

真実を追い続ける。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

追い (oi) - pursuit

追跡 (tsuiseki) - tracking

追求 (tsuikyuu) - pursuit/investigation

追放 (tsuihou) - exile

追加 (tsuika) - addition

Verbos

追いかける (oikakeru) - to chase

追い越す (oikosu) - to overtake

追い付く (oitsuku) - to catch up

追い出す (oidasu) - to kick out

追い払う (oiharau) - to drive away

Adjetivos

追い追い (oioi) - gradually (adverbial)

Relacionado

追伸 (tsuishin) - P.S. (postscript)

追突 (tsuitotsu) - rear-end collision

追徴 (tsuichou) - supplementary charge

追憶 (tsuioku) - recollection

追随 (tsuizui) - following in footsteps

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

High (Top 2000 words in Japanese)

Errores comunes

Using 'ou' for physical chasing in casual speech. → 追いかける (oikakeru)
'Ou' sounds a bit too formal or dramatic for just running after a friend. Use 'oikakeru' instead.
Using 'wo' with the passive form 'owareru'. → に (ni)
In the passive 'owareru', the agent (the thing chasing you) takes the particle 'ni'. E.g., 仕事に追われる.
Using 'ou' to mean 'obey rules'. → 従う (shitagau) or 守る (mamoru)
'Ou' means to chase, not to follow rules. This is a direct translation error from English.
Writing 'oite' instead of 'otte'. → 追って (otte)
'Oite' is from 'oku' (to put). 'Otte' is the correct te-form for 'ou'.
Confusing 'ou' with 'au' (to meet). → 追う (ou)
Pay attention to the starting vowel. 'Au' starts with 'a', 'ou' starts with 'o'.

Consejos

Physical vs. Abstract

Use 'oikakeru' for physical running and 'ou' for dreams, goals, or literary descriptions. This is the key to sounding natural.

The Passive Hack

If you want to say you're overwhelmed, use '時間に追われる' (chased by time). It sounds much more native than just saying 'isogashii' (busy).

Radical Recognition

The radical 辶 (road) in 追 tells you the word involves movement. This radical is in many verbs like 'iku' (go) and 'okuru' (send).

Step-by-Step

Memorize 'jun o otte' (in order). It's a lifesaver when you need to explain something complex in Japanese.

The 'O' Goal

Associate 'Ou' with 'Objective'. You are chasing your Objective!

Small 'Tsu' Check

Always check your te-form and past tense: 追って (otte) and 追った (otta). Missing the small 'tsu' is a common A2 error.

Compound Power

Learn 'oitsuku' (catch up) and 'oikosu' (overtake) together with 'ou'. They form a logical group of movement verbs.

Proverb Wisdom

Use the hare proverb (二兎を追う...) in conversations about focus. It shows you understand Japanese cultural values.

News Clues

When you hear 'shinsou o ou' on the news, you know you're about to hear an investigative report.

Business Buzz

In business, 'suuji o ou' (chasing numbers) is a common way to talk about sales targets and quotas.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of the 'O' in 'Ou' as a round ball and the 'u' as someone running. You are chasing the ball! 'O... u!'

Asociación visual

Visualize a detective with a magnifying glass following a trail of 'O' and 'U' letters on the ground.

Word Web

Dream (夢) Police (警察) Goal (目標) Time (時間) Deadline (締め切り) Ball (ボール) Criminal (犯人) Trend (流行)

Desafío

Try to use 'ou' in three different ways today: once for a physical object, once for a dream, and once in the passive form to describe your schedule.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Old Japanese verb 'opu'. It has been a core part of the Japanese language since the Nara period.

Significado original: To drive away, to push from behind, or to follow after.

Japonic

Contexto cultural

Be careful using 'ou' in romantic contexts as it can imply stalking or unwanted persistence.

While English uses 'chase' for both physical and abstract things, Japanese often prefers 'oikakeru' for physical and 'ou' for abstract/literary contexts.

The proverb '二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず' (Chasing two hares). Anime tropes of 'chasing the back' of a rival. Documentaries titled '...no shinsou o ou' (Pursuing the truth of...).

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Sports

ボールを追う
背中を追う
記録を追う
先頭を追う

Workplace

仕事に追われる
締め切りに追われる
数字を追う
メールに追われる

Personal Life

夢を追う
幸せを追う
流行を追う
理想を追う

News/Crime

犯人を追う
事件を追う
真相を追う
行方を追う

Academic/History

順を追って
歴史を追う
過程を追う
変遷を追う

Inicios de conversación

"あなたの今追いかけている夢は何ですか？ (What is the dream you are pursuing now?)"

"最近、何かに追われていると感じることはありますか？ (Lately, do you feel like you are being chased by something?)"

"流行を追うタイプですか、それとも自分流を通すタイプですか？ (Are you the type to follow trends, or the type to stick to your own style?)"

"仕事に追われないために、どんな工夫をしていますか？ (What kind of tricks do you use to avoid being overwhelmed by work?)"

"子供の頃、一番必死に追っていたものは何ですか？ (What was the thing you chased most desperately when you were a child?)"

Temas para diario

「夢を追う」ことの楽しさと難しさについて書いてください。 (Write about the joy and difficulty of 'pursuing a dream'.)

最近「時間に追われている」と感じた瞬間を詳しく説明してください。 (Explain in detail a moment recently when you felt 'chased by time'.)

もしあなたが記者なら、どんな事件の真相を追いたいですか？ (If you were a reporter, what kind of case's truth would you want to pursue?)

「二兎を追う者は一兎をも得ず」という言葉について、自分の経験を交えて考えてください。 (Think about the proverb 'He who chases two hares catches neither' based on your own experience.)

自分が尊敬する人の足跡を追いたいと思ったことはありますか？ (Have you ever thought about wanting to follow in the footsteps of someone you respect?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, but 'oikakeru' is much more natural in daily speech. If you say 'basu o ou', it sounds like a line from a movie or a book. In a normal conversation, say 'basu o oikakeru'.

'Yume o ou' is the standard, more common expression for pursuing a dream. 'Yume o oikakeru' is also used and sounds a bit more active or youthful, but 'ou' is the classic choice.

It can be, but be careful. It sounds very intense. Using 'oikakeru' is slightly more common, but both can sound a bit aggressive. Phrases like 'apuroochi suru' (to approach) are safer.

Use the passive form: 'Shigoto ni owarete imasu' (I am being chased by work). This is a very natural and common way to express busyness in Japanese.

It means 'in order' or 'following the sequence.' You use it when you want to explain something step-by-step, starting from the beginning.

It is a transitive verb (tadoushi), which means it takes a direct object marked by the particle 'wo'.

The past tense is 'otta' (追った). Don't forget the small 'tsu' (っ) before the 'ta'.

Yes, but this meaning is less common in modern Japanese. Usually, compound verbs like 'oidasu' (kick out) or 'oiharau' (drive away) are used instead.

'Tsuiseki' is a formal noun/verb meaning 'tracking' (like GPS or police tracking). 'Ou' is the general verb for chasing.

Yes, it is considered an A2 level word because it is a fundamental verb used in many common expressions like chasing dreams or being busy.

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