轨迹

• Pinyin: guǐ jì
• Hanzi breakdown: 轨 = 车 (vehicle) + 九 (phonetic) — a rail or track; 迹 = 辶 (movement) + 亦 (also) — a trace or footprint

Meaning

Trajectory; track; the path traced by a moving object or the course followed by a person's life or development.

In physics, it refers to the path of a projectile or moving object. Metaphorically, it describes the development arc of a person's life, career, or a country's historical course. Common in academic analysis, biography, and reflective writing. 人生轨迹 (life trajectory) is a frequently used compound.

Examples

1. 卫星精确按照既定轨迹绕地球运行，误差极小。 The satellite orbits the Earth precisely along its designated trajectory, with minimal error.
2. 这本传记详细记录了他从贫困到成功的人生轨迹。 This biography records in detail his life path from poverty to success.
3. 历史的轨迹表明，和平从来不是凭空而来的。 The course of history shows that peace has never come out of thin air.

Usage Guide

Context: physics, biography, history, analysis

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 通过分析数据，科学家成功重建了彗星进入大气层的轨迹。(By analysing the data, scientists successfully reconstructed the trajectory of the comet as it entered the atmosphere.)
• 这位改革者的政治轨迹折射出整整一代人的历史命运。(This reformer's political trajectory reflects the historical destiny of an entire generation.)

Don't Say

• 他的购物轨迹很奇怪 — 轨迹 fits best for meaningful life paths or physical movement; for casual shopping patterns say 他的购物习惯很奇怪

Origin & History

轨 (rail/track) + 迹 (trace/mark left behind). Together: the trace left along a track — the path or course followed by something over time.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal