追究

• Pinyin: zhuī jiū
• Hanzi breakdown: 追 = 辶 (walk) + 𠂤 (phonetic), to chase; 究 = 穴 (cave) + 九 (phonetic), to investigate thoroughly

Meaning

To investigate and hold accountable; to look into responsibility; to pursue the matter.

A formal term meaning to investigate who is responsible for something wrong and ensure they face consequences. Commonly used in legal, administrative, and formal contexts. Often paired with 责任 (responsibility) as in 追究责任.

Examples

1. 公司决定追究相关负责人的责任，涉事员工已被停职调查。 The company decided to hold the responsible parties accountable; the involved employees have been suspended pending investigation.
2. 这起事故造成了严重后果，必须追究到底，给受害者一个交代。 This accident has caused serious consequences — we must investigate thoroughly and give the victims an explanation.
3. 如果合同条款被违反，我们保留追究法律责任的权利。 If contract terms are violated, we reserve the right to pursue legal responsibility.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, administrative, workplace

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 必须追究他的责任。(We must hold him accountable.)
• 这件事不能不追究。(This matter cannot go uninvestigated.)

Don't Say

• 我要追究你为什么迟到。(Too formal for casual situations — just ask 你为什么迟到)

Origin & History

Compound of 追 (to chase, pursue) and 究 (to investigate thoroughly). Together they convey pursuing a matter to get to the bottom of it and assign blame.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal