The words 追及, 追求, 追究, and 追跡 all have the prefix 追 (chase, pursue) in common, but each word has a different meaning and usage.

TODAI Japanese will show you a detailed explanation of each word in this blog.

1. 追及 (ついきゅう):

Meaning: to trace, pursue, or investigate responsibility.

Usage: Often used in the context of law to describe the action of arresting or pursuing criminals.

• Example:

犯人を追及する (Hannin o tsuikyuu suru) - To trace the criminal

彼は自分の責任を追及された (Kare wa jibun no sekinin o tsuikyuu sareta) - He was held accountable for his actions.

2. 追求 (ついきゅう):

Meaning: to seek, pursue, or aspire to achieve a goal or pursue a spiritual value.

Usage: Often used in the context of someone who has a desire or goal to achieve or pursue a spiritual value.

• Example:

真実を追求する (Shinjitsu o tsuikyuu suru) - To pursue the truth

彼は真理を追求した (Kare wa shinri o tsuikyuu shita) - He sought the truth.

3. 追究 (ついきゅう):

Meaning: to investigate, explore, or uncover the truth about something.

Usage: Often used in the context of investigating and uncovering the truth about a certain issue or resolving a dispute.

• Example:

事件を追究する (Jiken o tsuikyuu suru) - To investigate the case

彼はその問題を追究した (Kare wa sono mondai o tsuikyuu shita) - He thoroughly investigated the issue.

3. 追跡 (ついせき):

Meaning: to track, pursue, or follow.

Usage: Often used in the context of following or pursuing a person or object.

• Example:

犯人を追跡する (Hannin o tsuiseki suru) - To track the criminal

私たちはその車を追跡した (Watashitachi wa sono kuruma o tsuiseki shita) - We followed the car.

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