Translation guide
The English word 'pursuit' covers several distinct ideas: chasing something, striving for a goal, engaging in an activity, and legal chase. Japanese uses different words and patterns for each.
Physically running after or following someone/something to catch them.
The most direct equivalent for 'pursuit' as chasing or tracking. Used for police chases, animal tracking, or following a target.
The police are continuing the pursuit of the suspect.
Nominalized form of the verb 'to chase'. More casual and everyday than 追跡.
The dog won't stop its pursuit of the cat.
Pursuit in a military or aggressive context, like chasing down an enemy. Not for everyday use.
The pursuit of the enemy forces began.
The act of trying to achieve something abstract like happiness, knowledge, or success.
The standard word for 'pursuit' of abstract goals (happiness, truth, profit). Very common.
The pursuit of happiness is a human right.
Verb phrase meaning 'to seek eagerly'. More active and emotional than 追求. Often used for dreams, ideals.
She is in pursuit of her dreams.
Pursuit in the sense of exploration or research, often for knowledge or truth. More intellectual nuance.
The act of doing something regularly as a hobby, job, or interest.
Formal pattern for 'engagement in an activity/profession'. Often used in official contexts.
He is engaged in the pursuit of academic research.
Simple nominalization using こと. Very flexible and natural in speech.
Means 'activity'. Can be used for 'pursuit' when referring to leisure or organized activities.
Pursuit in a legal context, such as 'hot pursuit' or right of pursuit.
Also used in legal contexts for pursuit of a fugitive or vehicle.
The right of hot pursuit is recognized.
Can mean pursuit in the sense of investigating or pressing someone (e.g., pursuing responsibility). Overlaps with 追求 but often used for accountability.
追求 (ついきゅう) is for abstract goals (happiness, profit). 追跡 (ついせき) is for physical chasing (police, animals). 探求 (たんきゅう) is for intellectual exploration (truth, knowledge). Don't mix them up.
In English, 'pursuit' can sound formal for hobbies. In Japanese, using 追求 for a hobby sounds unnatural. Use 趣味 (しゅみ) or simple verb phrases instead.
My hobby/pursuit is photography.
The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental right.
The police are in hot pursuit of the robbers.
She left her job in pursuit of her dream to become an artist.
He devoted his life to the pursuit of truth.
科学者は知識の探求に励む。
Scientists engage in the pursuit of knowledge.
I enjoy the pursuit of painting as a hobby.
週末はアウトドア活動を楽しむ。
On weekends I enjoy outdoor pursuits.
彼は責任の追及を受けた。
He faced pursuit of responsibility.