noun
Literally the track left by a wheel on a road or path. Figuratively, it can refer to a precedent or the path taken by a predecessor, as in 轍を踏む (to repeat a failure).
ぬかるみに深い轍ができていた。
Deep ruts had formed in the mud.
彼は先人の轍を踏まないように注意した。
He was careful not to repeat the mistakes of his predecessors.
Kana spelling is sometimes used when the kanji is considered difficult or for clarity.
The kanji 轍 is composed of 車 (vehicle) and 徹 (penetrate) abbreviated, suggesting the mark left by a vehicle. The reading わだち is a native Japanese word of uncertain origin.