追いかける・追い掛ける・追い駆ける|おいかけるoikakeru[4]nakadaka (mid-high)
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Which spelling to use
追いかける追いかける is the most common form and the recommended default for beginners. It is the form learners should choose when writing.
追い掛ける追い掛ける is a less common written variant of 追いかける. Learners should generally choose 追いかける instead.
追い駆ける追い駆ける is rarely used, so learners should normally choose 追いかける instead.
Definitions
- ichidan verb, transitive verbto chase; to run after; to pursue
- ichidan verb, transitive verbsubsequently; following that; (and) thenas 追いかけて or 追いかけるように
Conjugation
| Dictionary form | 追いかける（おいかける） |
|---|---|
| Polite (masu) | 追いかけます（おいかけます） |
| Negative (nai) | 追いかけない（おいかけない） |
| polite (masen) | 追いかけません（おいかけません） |
| classical zu / nu | 追いかけず・追いかけぬ（おいかけず・おいかけぬ） |
| Past (ta) | 追いかけた（おいかけた） |
| polite (mashita) | 追いかけました（おいかけました） |
| Past negative (nakatta) | 追いかけなかった（おいかけなかった） |
| polite (masen deshita) | 追いかけませんでした（おいかけませんでした） |
| Te form | 追いかけて（おいかけて） |
| Potential | 追いかけられる（おいかけられる） |
| Passive | 追いかけられる（おいかけられる） |
| Causative | 追いかけさせる（おいかけさせる） |
| Causative passive | 追いかけさせられる（おいかけさせられる） |
| Conditional (ba) | 追いかければ（おいかければ） |
| tara | 追いかけたら（おいかけたら） |
| Volitional | 追いかけよう（おいかけよう） |
| polite (mashou) | 追いかけましょう（おいかけましょう） |
| Imperative | 追いかけろ（おいかけろ） |
Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym追っかけるおっかけるCasualColloquial form of the headword, for chasing people or things and for chasing idols, as in 「追っかけ」. The headword is the more standard choice.
- Synonym追うおうNeutralCovers chasing and pursuing, and also being pressed by work or duties. The headword stresses running after someone from behind.
- Synonym追跡ついせきWrittenWritten-style word for tracking or tracing, as in 「追跡調査」. The headword is the more everyday word for chasing.
- Synonym追尾ついびWrittenWritten word for tracking from behind, often for vehicles or machines automatically tracking a target. The headword is more everyday.
- Synonym後追いあとおいNeutralCovers imitating others or following a trend, and a baby's clingy chasing after grown-ups. The headword is the broader word for chasing.
- Synonym追求ついきゅうWrittenWritten-style noun for pursuing profit or ideals. The headword is the more colloquial option.
- Related追い詰めるおいつめるNeutralMeans to corner someone until there is no escape; the focus is on blocking their way. The headword only describes the act of chasing.
- Related尾行びこうWrittenWritten word for shadowing or tailing someone covertly, as a detective does; the point is not being noticed. The headword is chasing from behind, openly or not.
- RelatedついていくNeutralMeans to follow along or keep up with someone. The headword is about actively chasing from behind.
- Related追い求めるおいもとめるNeutralFor steadfastly pursuing ideals or dreams. The headword can also be used for chasing a dream, but is more colloquial.
- Related後続こうぞくWrittenWritten word for what follows right behind, as in 「後続車」. The headword is the action of chasing.
- RelatedフォローNeutralLoanword for following an account on social media or following up on something. The headword is about chasing.
- Related追行ついこうWrittenRare written word for pursuing or following behind; 「追跡」 is the usual term.
- Related追蹤ついしょうWrittenRare written word for tracking or pursuit; 「追跡」 is the usual term.
- Related跡づけるあとづけるWrittenWritten word for tracing back and verifying how something unfolded, academic in flavor. The headword is for chasing people or things, or pursuing ideals and trends.
- Antonym逃げるにげるNeutralTo run away or flee; the opposite of the chasing headword.
- Antonym振り切るふりきるNeutralTo shake off or break away from a pursuer; the opposite of the headword.
Use 「追いかける」 as the default for chasing someone from behind or pursuing a dream. Say 「追っかける」 in casual speech, 「追跡」 for tracking or investigation, 「尾行」 for shadowing someone covertly, 「追い詰める」 for cornering someone, and 「逃げる」 for the opposite, running away. For pursuing ideals, 「追い求める」 and 「追求」 are also options, and 「振り切る」 describes shaking off a pursuer.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
