Translation guide
The English word 'follow-up' can refer to a subsequent action, communication, or thing that continues or completes something earlier. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for these situations, organized by intended meaning.
To refer to an action or message that comes after a previous one, often to check progress, provide more information, or ensure something is done.
A direct loanword from English, commonly used in business contexts to mean a follow-up action or communication. It is widely understood, especially in professional settings.
I will make a follow-up call to the client tomorrow.
Literally 'tracking' or 'pursuit', used for following up on something like a package, a task, or an issue. More formal and often used in written contexts.
We will conduct a follow-up investigation on the issue.
Means 'contact at a later date', often used to promise a follow-up contact. Common in business emails.
I will follow up with the details later.
Literally 'confirmation contact', used when following up to confirm something. Suitable for both spoken and written communication.
I'll follow up with a confirmation call tomorrow.
To refer to a question or remark that continues a previous discussion, often in meetings, interviews, or conversations.
To describe something that comes after and continues or completes a previous event, such as a meeting, report, or story.
Means 'sequel' or 'continuation', used for follow-up works like books, movies, or series.
A follow-up to this movie will be released next year.
Means 'subsequent' or 'following', used for events or things that come after. Often used in formal contexts like reports.
Literally 'second installment', used for follow-up products, events, or campaigns. Common in marketing.
The follow-up campaign will start.
To refer to a subsequent medical appointment or check-up after treatment.
Means 'follow-up observation' or 'monitoring', the standard term for medical follow-up to check progress.
Please come in for a follow-up after the surgery.
Also used in medical contexts, especially in clinics familiar with English terminology.
Directly translating 'follow-up' as 追いかけ (oikake) or 後追い (atooi) is incorrect. These mean 'chasing' or 'pursuing' and do not convey the intended meaning of a subsequent action or communication.
Means 'related question', used when the follow-up is connected to the previous topic. Slightly more formal.
Allow me to ask a follow-up question.
後続の会議で詳細を話し合います。
We will discuss the details in a follow-up meeting.
Your follow-up appointment is next week.