Significado
Finding clues.
Contexto cultural
The TV show 'Sled' is one of the longest-running procedurals in Russia. It has made the phrase 'взять след' a household term even for people who don't hunt. Hunting with Borzoi dogs was a status symbol for Russian Tsars. The terminology of the hunt (like 'взять след') was considered noble and sophisticated. During the Soviet era, detective stories (called 'militsionnyy detektiv') were very popular. They emphasized the logical 'tracking' of criminals as a service to the state. In modern cities, young people use 'взять след' ironically when looking for a new trendy bar or a hidden party location.
Use with 'Наконец-то'
This idiom sounds most natural when you use 'наконец-то' (finally), as it emphasizes the breakthrough after a search.
Don't use for 'finding' facts
If you find a fact in a book, use 'найти информацию.' 'Взять след' is for a dynamic search for a person or a hidden cause.
Significado
Finding clues.
Use with 'Наконец-то'
This idiom sounds most natural when you use 'наконец-то' (finally), as it emphasizes the breakthrough after a search.
Don't use for 'finding' facts
If you find a fact in a book, use 'найти информацию.' 'Взять след' is for a dynamic search for a person or a hidden cause.
The 'Sled' TV Show
Mentioning the TV show 'Sled' is a great conversation starter with Russians about this phrase.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'взять'.
Вчера наша собака наконец-то _______ след лисы.
The subject is 'собака' (feminine), so the past tense verb must be 'взяла'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Выберите правильное предложение:
'Взять след' is for investigations and searches, not for simply finding items on a table or going to a shop.
Match the Russian phrase with its English equivalent.
Сопоставьте пары:
These are all common variations of the word 'след'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
— Мы уже три часа ищем этот вирус в системе! — Погоди, я нашёл странный файл... — О! Кажется, ты _______!
Finding a 'strange file' is a clue, so 'взял след' is the correct breakthrough phrase.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosВчера наша собака наконец-то _______ след лисы.
The subject is 'собака' (feminine), so the past tense verb must be 'взяла'.
Выберите правильное предложение:
'Взять след' is for investigations and searches, not for simply finding items on a table or going to a shop.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
These are all common variations of the word 'след'.
— Мы уже три часа ищем этот вирус в системе! — Погоди, я нашёл странный файл... — О! Кажется, ты _______!
Finding a 'strange file' is a clue, so 'взял след' is the correct breakthrough phrase.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, if you've been looking for a long time and finally get a lead on a specific company, you can say 'Я взял след хорошей вакансии.'
It is always 'взять след' (no preposition). 'Напасть на след' uses a preposition.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, at work, or read it in a newspaper.
Yes, figuratively. A detective 'takes a trail' using logic and evidence.
The opposite is 'потерять след' (to lose the trail).
Yes: 'Мы скоро возьмём след' (We will soon pick up the trail).
No, it can apply to animals, lost items, scientific discoveries, or even a 'trail' of thought.
Usually, yes. You take 'the trail' (singular), even if there are many footprints.
It's rare. 'Взять след' is the fixed idiom.
Sometimes in orienteering or racing, but not in football or basketball.
Frases relacionadas
Напасть на след
similarTo stumble upon a trail
Замести следы
contrastTo cover one's tracks
Идти по горячим следам
builds onTo follow a fresh trail
Следопыт
specialized formPathfinder/Tracker
Потерять след
contrastTo lose the trail
