Translation guide
The English word "trace" covers several distinct meanings, from a physical mark left behind to a very small amount, to the act of tracking or copying. This guide breaks them down for natural Japanese expression.
To refer to a physical mark, footprint, or evidence that something was present.
General word for a mark, trace, or remains. Can be used for footprints, scars, or signs of past events.
There were traces of footprints in the snow.
傷跡がまだ残っている。
The scar (trace of the wound) still remains.
A more formal or technical term for traces, evidence, or vestiges. Often used in scientific or investigative contexts.
犯人の痕跡は見つからなかった。
No trace of the culprit was found.
Specifically refers to evidence or signs of an action having taken place. More about proof than a physical mark.
侵入の形跡はなかった。
There was no trace of a break-in.
To express a tiny, barely detectable quantity of something, often a substance or emotion.
A very small amount, trace amount. Common in scientific or formal contexts, but also used in everyday language for substances.
水から微量のヒ素が検出された。
Traces of arsenic were detected in the water.
A casual way to say 'just a trace' or 'a tiny bit'. Suitable for everyday conversation.
ほんの少しの塩を加えてください。
Add just a trace of salt.
Used for a trace of emotion, presence, or feeling. Not for physical substances.
To follow the path, development, or origin of something, such as a person, animal, or idea.
To track, pursue, or trace the movements of someone or something. Often used for physical tracking or digital tracing.
警察は容疑者を追跡している。
The police are tracing the suspect.
IPアドレスを追跡する。
To trace an IP address.
To trace back, follow a path or history. Often used for tracing origins, memories, or routes.
Literally 'to attach to the tracks', meaning to follow or tail someone. More physical and often covert.
探偵は彼の跡を付けた。
The detective traced him.
To reproduce an image by drawing over its lines, often using transparent paper.
To trace a picture or letters by following the lines. The standard verb for this action.
子供が絵をなぞっている。
The child is tracing a picture.
Loanword from English, commonly used in design and illustration contexts.
ロゴをトレースしてデジタル化した。
I traced the logo and digitized it.
To investigate and discover where something came from or what caused it.
To track down, ascertain, or determine the source or cause. Implies a thorough investigation.
原因を突き止める必要がある。
We need to trace the cause.
彼らは情報源を突き止めた。
They traced the source of the information.
To go back in time, trace back to the origin. Often used for historical or genealogical tracing.
跡 (あと) is the most general and common word for a physical mark or trace. 痕跡 (こんせき) is more formal and often used in scientific or investigative contexts. 形跡 (けいせき) specifically refers to evidence or signs of an action, not just a physical mark.
微量 (びりょう) is used for tiny amounts of substances or measurable things. For a trace of emotion or presence, use 気配 (けはい) or other expressions.
There wasn't a trace of sadness on his face.
He traced his family lineage.
記憶をたどってみた。
I tried to trace back my memory.
問題の根源は数年前に遡る。
The problem traces back to several years ago.