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.
古代文明の痕跡が発見された。
Traces of an ancient civilization were discovered.
犯人の痕跡は何も残っていなかった。
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.
雪に動物の足跡がついていた。
There were traces of animal footprints in the snow.
やけどの跡がまだ残っている。
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.
秋の名残を感じさせる風景だ。
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.
Evidence or indication that something took place. Often used in formal or investigative contexts.
部屋には争った形跡があった。
There were traces of a struggle in the room.
不正アクセスの形跡は見つからなかった。
No traces of unauthorized access were found.
Also used for evidence, especially physical traces like fingerprints or DNA.
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.
水から微量のヒ素が検出された。
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.
彼女の顔にかすかな笑みが浮かんだ。
A trace of a smile appeared on her face.
かすかな香水の香りがした。
There was a trace of perfume scent.
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.
警察は容疑者の足取りを追跡している。
The police are tracing the suspect's movements.
メールの送信元を追跡する。
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.
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 anger in his voice.
He came to Japan to trace his roots.
記憶をたどってみたが、思い出せなかった。
I tried to trace my memory, but couldn't recall.