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.
警察は容疑者の車を追跡している。
The police are tracking the suspect's car.
このアプリで荷物の追跡ができます。
You can track your package with this app.
Literally 'to chase', used for physically following someone or something. More casual than 追跡.
猫がネズミを追いかけている。
The cat is tracking a mouse.
Loanword from English, used in technical or business contexts (e.g., GPS tracking, web tracking).
ウェブサイトのトラッキングデータを分析する。
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.
プロジェクトの進捗を管理するために、毎週ミーティングを開いている。
We hold weekly meetings to track the project's progress.
Means 'to record', often used for tracking personal data like expenses, health, or habits.
毎日の食事を記録して、カロリーを管理している。
I track my daily meals to manage calories.
Can also be used for tracking progress, but more commonly for physical movement. Use with caution.
病気の進行を追跡する。
Track the progression of the disease.
In education, placing students in different classes or courses based on their ability or achievement.
Refers to the system of grouping students by ability, often called 'tracking' in US English.
その学校では能力別クラス編成を導入している。
That school has introduced tracking.
Literally 'instruction according to proficiency level', a common term in Japanese education.
数学では習熟度別指導を行っている。
In math, they use tracking based on proficiency.
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.
ビデオデッキのトラッキングを調整する。
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.