追っ手・追手|おってotte[0]heiban (flat)
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Which spelling to use
追っ手追っ手（おって） is the most common written form and is the recommended choice for beginners writing this word.
追手追手 is a less common variant written entirely in kanji, omitting the kana used in 追っ手; beginners should normally choose 追っ手 instead.
Definitions
- nounpursuer; pursuing party; posse
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym追手おいてWrittenA variant of the headword read 「おいて」 with the same meaning, seen in written prose; it can also mean a tailwind. In modern Japanese 「おって」 is the usual form.
- Synonym追跡者ついせきしゃNeutralA neutral word for anyone chasing or tracking from behind — not limited to hunting down fugitives; it can also mean someone tailing or stalking a person.
- Antonym逃げ手NeutralThe side that flees — the opposite of the pursuers; not a fixed, established word.
Use 「追っ手」 for people hunting down an escaped criminal or enemy, as in 「追っ手を振り切る」. For a pursuer or tracker in general, use 「追跡者」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
