Japanese word

追う

Pronunciation

Romajiou

Meaning

  • verbchase

Example

子どもが犬を追います。ko do mo ga inu o o i ma su

The child chases the dog.

Illustration for 追う (chase)

More examples

弟は先に走る兄を追っています。otōto wa saki ni hashi ru ani o o tte i ma su

The younger brother is chasing his older brother, who is running ahead.

Core concept

Describes staying behind a person or thing while moving in the same direction, often with the aim of catching it.

Common phrases

  • 犬を追うinu o o u

    chase a dog

  • 人を追うhito o o u

    chase someone

  • 後を追うato o o u

    follow behind

Similar words

追いかけるoikakeru: To run after a person or thing to catch up with it.

Definition in Japanese

人や物の後から同じ方向へ進み、追いつこうとする。hito ya mono no ato ka ra ona ji hō kō e susu mi o i tsu kō to su ru

Word origin

追う (ō, "to chase or follow") is a native Japanese verb, not a Sino-Japanese or borrowed word; its older written form is おふ (ō, "to chase or follow").

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 追う (ō) can describe trying to keep up with news or events as they develop.

Other meanings

  • followverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word