expression, godan verb (-u)
follow; pursue; chase; run after
Broad physical and figurative use: go after someone or something, follow a person, trail, or course.
彼は急いで彼女の後を追った。
He hurried after her.
警察は容疑者の跡を追っている。
The police are pursuing the suspect's trail.
expression, godan verb (-u)
die right after a loved one; follow someone in death
Used for dying soon after a close person, or taking one's own life after their death; often carries a literary or dramatic tone.
夫の死の翌日、妻も後を追った。
The day after her husband's death, his wife followed him in death.
expression, godan verb (-u)
follow the example of predecessors; follow in the footsteps of
Used for emulating earlier generations, a teacher, or a master; often in contexts of tradition, craft, or succession.
彼は師匠の後を追って、同じ道に進んだ。
He followed in his master's footsteps and took the same path.