To pursue or follow someone or something with a specific purpose.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To follow someone or something to catch them.
- Used for both physical movement and abstract goals.
- Very common verb for pursuing dreams or trends.
Overview
- 1概要：「追う」は、対象を捕まえるために後ろから追いかける、あるいは対象の動きに合わせてついていくという動作を表す動詞です。基本的な物理的移動から、目標達成や流行の把握といった抽象的な概念まで幅広く使われます。2) 使用パターン：基本的には「人・物を追う」という形で使われます。助詞「を」を伴い、目的語が移動の対象となります。また、自動詞の「追いつく（catch up）」や「追い越す（overtake）」とセットで覚えると理解が深まります。3) 一般的な文脈：日常会話では「犯人を追う」「夢を追う」のように使われます。ビジネスシーンでは「締め切りを追う」「トレンドを追う」といった表現も一般的です。4) 類似語との比較：「追いかける」は「追う」よりも動作が具体的で、一生懸命に後ろからついていくニュアンスが強いです。「追跡する」は警察や調査などが対象を厳密に調べる際に使われる硬い表現です。「追う」はこれらの中間に位置し、最も汎用性が高い言葉です。
Examples
警察が犯人を追う。
everydayThe police are chasing the criminal.
彼は夢を追って上京した。
formalHe moved to Tokyo to pursue his dream.
新しい流行を追う。
informalTo follow the latest trends.
真実を追うジャーナリスト。
academicA journalist who pursues the truth.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
背中を追う
to follow in someone's footsteps
理想を追う
to pursue an ideal
追う者は逃げる者を捕まえられない
He who chases two hares catches neither
Often Confused With
This is more descriptive of the physical act of running after someone. It sounds more active and intense than 'ou'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The verb 'ou' is used in both literal and figurative contexts. It is neutral in formality but often used in news or formal writing when referring to investigations. In daily life, it is commonly used for goals and ambitions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'ou' when they mean 'following' someone in a casual sense, like walking behind them. For that, use 'tsuite iku'. Remember that 'ou' always implies a purpose or a target to reach.
Tips
Think of it as pursuing a goal
When you use 'ou' for abstract things like dreams, imagine actively working towards them. It implies effort and movement toward a target.
Distinguish from physical following
If you just follow someone's path, 'tsuite iku' is more natural. Use 'ou' only when you have the intention to catch or reach the target.
Cultural nuance in business
In Japanese business, 'trend wo ou' (following trends) is a common phrase. It shows you are staying updated with the market.
Word Origin
The word originates from Old Japanese and has been used since the Nara period. It relates to the concept of moving toward a specific direction or objective.
Cultural Context
In Japanese culture, 'pursuing' (ou) something like a dream is viewed with respect. It suggests dedication and persistence.
Memory Tip
Imagine an 'O' shape (Ou) like a target you are running towards. If you are chasing a target, you are 'Ou-ing' it!
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions「追いかける」は「追う」よりも動作が具体的で、対象を捕まえようと一生懸命に走る様子が強く伝わります。「追う」はより広範囲で、抽象的な目標に対しても使えます。
人や動物を捕まえたい時、あるいは夢や理想を追い求める時に使います。また、ニュースや流行をチェックし続けるという意味でも使われます。
「追った」となります。否定形は「追わない」です。
Test Yourself
彼は成功を___ために、毎日努力している。
目標を追い求めるという意味で「追う」が適切です。
Score: /1
Summary
To pursue or follow someone or something with a specific purpose.
- To follow someone or something to catch them.
- Used for both physical movement and abstract goals.
- Very common verb for pursuing dreams or trends.
Think of it as pursuing a goal
When you use 'ou' for abstract things like dreams, imagine actively working towards them. It implies effort and movement toward a target.
Distinguish from physical following
If you just follow someone's path, 'tsuite iku' is more natural. Use 'ou' only when you have the intention to catch or reach the target.
Cultural nuance in business
In Japanese business, 'trend wo ou' (following trends) is a common phrase. It shows you are staying updated with the market.
Examples
4 of 4警察が犯人を追う。
The police are chasing the criminal.
彼は夢を追って上京した。
He moved to Tokyo to pursue his dream.
新しい流行を追う。
To follow the latest trends.
真実を追うジャーナリスト。
A journalist who pursues the truth.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More animals words
鳴き声
A2Animal cry, sound; the noise an animal makes.
あり
A2Ant; a small, social insect.
襲う
A2To attack; to make a violent assault on.
吠える
A2To bark; to make a sharp, loud cry (for dogs).
くま
A2Bear; a large, heavy mammal with thick fur and a short tail.
噛む
A2To bite; to grip or cut with teeth.
ちょう
A2Butterfly; an insect with large wings.
ちゅんちゅん
A2Chirp; onomatopoeia for a bird's sound.
コケコッコー
A2Cock-a-doodle-doo; the sound a rooster makes.
こけこっこー
A2Cock-a-doodle-doo; onomatopoeia for a rooster's crow.
