Translation guide
The English word "traces" can refer to physical remnants, evidence, or faint signs of something. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended meaning.
To refer to physical remains, ruins, or leftover signs of something that was once present.
General term for traces, marks, or vestiges left behind. Can be used for physical evidence, historical remains, or signs of past events.
Traces of an ancient civilization were discovered.
No traces of the culprit were left behind.
Common word for marks, scars, or traces. Often used for physical impressions like footprints, scars, or stains.
There were traces of animal footprints in the snow.
Traces of the burn still remain.
Refers to lingering traces or remnants, often with a nostalgic or emotional nuance. Used for things like the last traces of a season or a past era.
It's a landscape that shows traces of autumn.
To refer to signs or proof that an event occurred, often used in investigative or scientific contexts.
To refer to a tiny quantity or barely perceptible indication of a substance, emotion, or quality.
A trace amount; a very small quantity. Often used in scientific or technical contexts.
Traces of arsenic were detected in the water.
Means 'faint' or 'slight', used to describe a barely noticeable trace of something like a smile or scent.
A trace of a smile appeared on her face.
Indicates a sign, indication, or hint of something, often used for intangible things like emotions or presence.
To express the action of tracing the path, development, or origin of something.
To trace or track the movement or path of something, such as a person, animal, or data.
The police are tracing the suspect's movements.
Trace the source of the email.
To trace back or follow a path, often used for abstract things like history, memories, or a route.
痕跡 (こんせき) is the most general term for traces or vestiges, covering both physical remains and evidence. 形跡 (けいせき) specifically emphasizes evidence or indication that something happened, often used in crime or investigation contexts. 跡 (あと) is a common word for marks, scars, or impressions left behind, like footprints or stains.
English often uses 'traces' as a plural noun, but Japanese typically uses singular forms or specific counters. For example, 'traces of blood' is usually 血痕 (けっこん) or 血の跡 (ちのあと), not a direct plural.
No traces of unauthorized access were found.
現場には指紋の痕跡が残っていた。
Traces of fingerprints were left at the scene.
There was a trace of perfume scent.
There was a trace of anger in his voice.
He came to Japan to trace his roots.
I tried to trace my memory, but couldn't recall.