How to say "track" in Japanese

• 曲きょくJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, noun (suffix)For 'track' in the music sense: one piece or song on a record. Use it for a favorite track on an album or for moving on to the next track.
  そのピアニストはアンコールに応こたえて２曲きょく弾ひいた。↗

  The pianist played two encores.
• 線路せんろJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounCovers 'track' in the railway sense: the physical track that trains run on. Think of station platforms, delays caused by trouble on the track, or warnings to keep off it.
  ポーターはしばしば線路せんろを歩あるいて渡わたらなければならない。↗

  Porters often have to walk across the tracks.
• 手がかりてがかりJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounFor 'track' meaning a clue or lead: something that helps you trace a person or reach an answer, as in an investigation. It is really 'clue' or 'lead', not the track itself.
  その殺人者さつじんしゃの正体しょうたいは手掛てがかりがまったくなかった。↗

  There was no clue as to the identity of the murderer.
• レールCommon
  nounCovers 'track' for the rail or groove along which a sliding door or curtain runs. Think of a door that has slipped off its track, or dirt gathering in the track.
  彼女かのじょはレールのように痩やせていた。↗

  She was as thin as a rail.
• 足取りあしどりCommon
  nounCovers 'track' as the trace of a person's movements: where someone went and what route they took. Typical of investigations — following a suspect's movements or losing all track of them.
  警察けいさつは容疑者ようぎしゃの足取あしどりがまだつかめていない。↗

  The police have found no trace of the suspect yet.

Choose by sense: 曲 is a track on a record, 線路 a railway track, 「レール」 the track of a sliding door or curtain, 「手がかり」 a clue or lead, and 「足取り」 the trail of someone's movements.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 曲きょくcomposition
• 線路せんろrailway track
• 手がかりてがかりclue
• 飛跡ひせきtrack
• トラック(running) track
• レール(curtain) rail
• 足取りあしどりtrace (e.g. of route taken by hunted criminal)
• 軌道きどう(railroad) track
• 線せんline (e.g. of a railroad)
• コースcourse (of action)