Translation guide
How to express 'tracing' in Japanese, covering physical actions like tracing a line or outline, as well as metaphorical uses like tracing origins or history.
The physical action of following a line, shape, or pattern with a finger, pen, or other tool.
The most common verb for tracing a line, character, or shape. Can be used for tracing with a finger, pen, or even tracing over existing lines.
子供が絵をなぞっている。
The child is tracing the picture.
地図の線を指でなぞった。
I traced the line on the map with my finger.
Loanword from English, often used in technical or design contexts, such as tracing an image or copying a drawing.
デザイナーがロゴをトレースしている。
The designer is tracing the logo.
Literally 'follow a line', used when tracing a path or route, often on a map or diagram.
地図上で川の流れをたどった。
I traced the course of the river on the map.
Investigating or following the development, source, or background of an idea, object, or event.
Used metaphorically to trace origins, history, or a path of development. Often used with words like 起源 (origin) or 歴史 (history).
その言葉の起源をたどるのは難しい。
It's difficult to trace the origin of that word.
彼は家系をたどって先祖を調べた。
He traced his family line and researched his ancestors.
Stronger nuance of tracking or pursuing, often used for tracing a person, animal, or digital footprint. Can also be used for tracing the source of a problem.
警察が容疑者の足取りを追跡している。
The police are tracing the suspect's movements.
ウイルスの感染経路を追跡する。
Trace the infection route of the virus.
Common phrase meaning 'trace one's roots', often used for personal ancestry or cultural origins.
海外に住む日系人が自分のルーツをたどる旅をした。
A Japanese-American living abroad took a trip to trace their roots.
The specific action of placing transparent paper over an image and copying the lines.
Literally 'copy by holding up to light', the traditional way of tracing a picture using translucent paper.
薄い紙を上に置いて、絵を透かして写した。
I placed thin paper on top and traced the picture.
Also used for this specific meaning, especially in digital contexts or when using tracing paper.
トレーシングペーパーで地図をトレースした。
I traced the map with tracing paper.
Describing the action of discerning or following a shape that is not clearly visible, like tracing a figure in the fog.
Descriptive phrase for tracing a vague shape with your eyes or finger.
霧の中にぼんやりと見える山の稜線を目でたどった。
I traced the faint outline of the mountain ridge in the fog with my eyes.