Translation guide
The English word "tracking" covers several distinct meanings, from following movement to monitoring progress. This guide breaks them down into practical Japanese expressions.
To follow the movement or location of someone or something, often using technology or observation.
General term for tracking movement, often used with technology like GPS or for following a target.
The police are tracking the suspect's car.
You can track your package with this app.
Literally 'to chase', used for physically following someone or something. More casual than 追跡.
The cat is tracking a mouse.
Loanword from English, used in technical or business contexts (e.g., GPS tracking, web tracking).
Analyze website tracking data.
To keep track of progress, status, or changes over time, such as in projects, health, or habits.
Means 'to manage progress', commonly used in business or project contexts.
We hold weekly meetings to track the project's progress.
Means 'to record', often used for tracking personal data like expenses, health, or habits.
Can also be used for tracking progress, but more commonly for physical movement. Use with caution.
Track the progression of the disease.
In education, placing students in different classes or courses based on their ability or achievement.
In audio or video recording, the alignment of playback heads or synchronization.
Used as a technical term in audio/video contexts, often as a loanword.
Adjust the tracking on the VCR.
Directly translating 'tracking' as トラッキング is only appropriate in technical contexts. For most everyday uses, choose a more specific Japanese expression like 追跡 or 記録する.
I track my daily meals to manage calories.
In math, they use tracking based on proficiency.