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.
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.
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.
The police are tracking the suspect.
You can track the car's location with GPS.
To chase, follow, or pursue. More general than 追跡する.
To grasp, understand, or keep track of (information, situation).
Are you tracking the progress of the project?
To record or log data over time, like tracking expenses or habits.
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
A prepared course or circuit for running, racing, or other sports.
a running track · a race track
The metal rails on which trains run.
train tracks · the track is closed for repairs
Railway track, railroad line.
I live near the tracks.
Do not walk on the tracks.
A record of past performance or achievements.
a proven track record · track record of success
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.
Do you keep track of your schedule?
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.
Keep track of your expenses.
The reporters are tracking the scandal.
トラック3が一番好きです。
I like track 3 the best.
競技場で練習した。
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.
I lost track of the main point.