Translation guide
The English word "trail" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: a path or track, the act of following someone or something, something that drags behind, and a trace or scent left behind. It also includes related phrases and warnings about direct translations.
A rough path, often in nature, used for walking or hiking.
General word for a narrow path or lane, often unpaved. Suitable for hiking trails.
I walked along a trail in the mountains.
Specifically a mountain climbing trail or path.
This trail is suitable for beginners.
A promenade or walking trail, often well-maintained, in parks or scenic areas.
We strolled along the lakeside trail.
Loanword from English, used in names of specific trails or in outdoor contexts.
This trail is long.
The act of tracking or pursuing a person, animal, or vehicle.
Pursuit, tracking. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to trail'.
The police are trailing the suspect.
To follow or tail someone, often secretly.
I feel like someone is trailing me.
Tailing, shadowing. Often used in detective or surveillance contexts.
A long part that hangs down or drags along the ground, like a dress train or a comet's tail.
A mark, scent, or sign that someone or something has passed by.
Trace, vestige, mark. Used for physical evidence left behind.
There was no trail of the culprit.
Scent trail, especially for animals or hunting.
The dog followed the scent trail.
Footprints, tracks. Literally 'foot marks'.
English 'trail' is often used in compound nouns like 'paper trail' or 'audit trail'. These do not translate directly. Instead, use specific Japanese terms like 書類の記録 (paper trail) or 監査証跡 (audit trail).
小道 (こみち) is a narrow path, often unpaved. 道 (みち) is a general road or way. 道路 (どうろ) is a paved road for vehicles. Use 小道 for hiking trails.
The detective trailed him.
The comet's trail was visible in the sky.
雪に動物の足跡があった。
There were animal trails in the snow.