How to say "pursue" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 追うおうgodan verb, transitive verbCovers both literal chasing—running after someone or something—and figurative pursuit of goals or ideals. It is a compact, versatile choice when you want to say 'pursue' in either the physical or the abstract sense.
- 追いかけるおいかけるichidan verb, transitive verbPrimarily a physical sense: to chase or run after someone or something moving away. It emphasizes the ongoing action of following, and can also describe pursuing a goal in a somewhat lighter, more active way than 追う.
- 追い求めるおいもとめるichidan verb, transitive verbA figurative word meaning to pursue something you desire, such as a dream, ideal, happiness, or truth. It does not describe physically chasing anyone; use it when the pursuit is sustained and goal-directed.
- 追っかけるおっかけるichidan verb, transitive verbThe colloquial counterpart to 追いかける, meaning to chase or run after. In casual conversation it is a natural way to say 'chase,' but in careful or written style you will usually want 追いかける or 追う instead.
- 問うとうgodan verb (irregular), transitive verbOnly marginally 'pursue': it matches the narrow sense of pursuing a question of responsibility, as in blaming or accusing someone. It is not used for chasing people or pursuing goals, so it is seldom the word you want for ordinary senses of 'pursue'.
For physically chasing, use 「追う」 or 「追いかける」 (「追っかける」 is the colloquial variant); for pursuing goals or ideals figuratively, 「追い求める」; for pursuing a question of responsibility, 「問う」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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