Translation guide
To find someone or something after a long or difficult search.
To locate a person or thing after persistent effort, investigation, or following clues.
To track down or ascertain something through investigation. Commonly used for finding facts, locations, or identities.
警察はついに犯人の居場所を突き止めた。
The police finally tracked down the criminal's whereabouts.
彼は情報源を突き止めようとしている。
He is trying to track down the source of the information.
To find something or someone after searching. Emphasizes the successful outcome of a search.
To discover or find out after looking. Similar to 探し出す but can also imply discovering something hidden.
To track or pursue, often used in contexts like tracking animals, vehicles, or digital footprints. More literal 'tracking' sense.
探偵は容疑者を追跡した。
The detective tracked down the suspect.
To locate a person, often to talk to them or get something from them.
To get in touch with someone. Often used when the goal is to contact the person after finding them.
彼を追いかけて、やっと連絡を取った。
I tracked him down and finally got in touch.
Avoid directly translating 'track down' as 追いかけて下ろす or similar. Use the verbs above depending on context.
あの本を探し出さないと。
I need to track down that book.
鍵を探すのを手伝ってくれる？
Can you help me track down my keys?
In casual contexts, simply 探す (search) may be enough.
やっと必要な書類を探し出した。
I finally tracked down the necessary documents.
彼は隠された財宝を見つけ出した。
He tracked down the hidden treasure.
To catch or find someone, often with a nuance of finally getting hold of them. Casual.
昨日やっと先生を捕まえて質問できた。
I finally tracked down the teacher yesterday and was able to ask a question.