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跡づける (あとづける) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
ichidan verb, transitive verb
trace ; track ; follow the trail of
Used for following physical traces, historical records, or investigating the background of something. Often implies a systematic or careful pursuit of evidence.
文ぶん
は
、
その
思し
想そう
の
歴れき
史し
的てき
な
変へん
遷せん
を
跡あと
づけ
て
いる
。
This paper traces the historical development of that idea.
Written forms 跡あと づける Usage 53%
Standard kanji spelling; 跡 means 'trace' or 'track'.
あとづける Usage 35%
Kana spelling; used when the kanji is not needed or for clarity.
跡あと 付づ ける Usage 12%
Alternate kanji spelling using 付ける; less common but valid.
Kanji 付 adhere, attach, refer to Similar words 追つい 跡せき する 追跡する is more about actively chasing or pursuing, while 跡づける focuses on tracing back or investigating past traces.
たどる たどる is a more common and general verb for 'to follow a path' or 'to trace', often used for physical routes or memories. 跡づける is more formal and often used in academic or investigative contexts.
Etymology Compound of 跡 (ato, 'trace') + 付ける (tsukeru, 'to attach' or 'to follow'). The verb 付ける here carries the sense of 'to keep track of' or 'to follow closely', similar to its use in 日記を付ける (to keep a diary).
