Translation guide
The English word "track" has many meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a path or trail, following or monitoring something, a song on an album, a sports track, and a few other uses.
A rough path, trail, or route, often unpaved or in nature.
a mountain track · a dirt track through the woods
General word for road, path, or way. Can be used for tracks in many contexts.
山の中に細い道があった。
There was a narrow track in the mountains.
A small path or lane, often unpaved.
森の中の小道を歩いた。
We walked along a track through the forest.
A trail formed by people or animals walking; literally 'footprint trail'. Used for faint tracks in wilderness.
動物の踏み跡をたどった。
We followed the animal tracks.
To follow the movement or progress of someone or something; to monitor.
track a package · track your progress · track expenses
To track, pursue, or trace. Used for tracking people, animals, or objects.
警察は容疑者を追跡している。
The police are tracking the suspect.
GPSで車の位置を追跡できる。
You can track the car's location with GPS.
To chase, follow, or pursue. More general than 追跡する.
記者はそのスキャンダルを追っている。
The reporters are tracking the scandal.
To grasp, understand, or keep track of (information, situation).
プロジェクトの進捗を把握していますか。
Are you tracking the progress of the project?
To record or log data over time, like tracking expenses or habits.
毎日の支出を記録している。
I track my daily expenses.
A single song or piece of music on an album or playlist.
the first track on the album · a bonus track
The most common word for a song or musical piece.
このアルバムには12曲入っている。
This album has 12 tracks.
お気に入りの曲は何ですか。
What's your favorite track?
Loanword from English, commonly used in music contexts, especially for numbered tracks or audio tracks.
A prepared course or circuit for running, racing, or other sports.
a running track · a race track
Used for running tracks, race tracks, etc. Same loanword as music track.
彼はトラックを一周走った。
He ran one lap around the track.
Athletic field or stadium, often including a track.
Specifically a running track or lane.
The metal rails on which trains run.
train tracks · the track is closed for repairs
Railway track, railroad line.
線路の近くに住んでいる。
I live near the tracks.
線路に立ち入らないでください。
Do not walk on the tracks.
A record of past performance or achievements.
a proven track record · track record of success
Actual results, achievements, track record.
彼は営業で素晴らしい実績がある。
He has an excellent track record in sales.
Personal history, career, background.
To stay aware of or fail to stay aware of something.
keep track of your belongings · lose track of time
Literally 'grasping' or 'not grasping'. Used for keeping track of information or situations.
スケジュールを把握していますか。
Do you keep track of your schedule?
時間が経つのを把握していなかった。
I lost track of time.
To lose sight of, lose track of (physically or figuratively).
English 'track' covers many concepts that require different Japanese words. Using トラック for a path or trail sounds unnatural; use 道 or 小道 instead. トラック is mainly for music tracks and sports tracks.
追跡する is more formal and systematic (police tracking, GPS tracking). 追う is broader and can be used for chasing, pursuing stories, or following someone.
支出を記録しておいて。
Keep track of your expenses.
トラック3が一番好きです。
I like track 3 the best.
We practiced on the track.
The track is made of rubber.
彼の経歴は信頼できる。
His track record is reliable.
話の要点を見失った。
I lost track of the main point.