追溯

• Pinyin: zhuī sù
• Hanzi breakdown: 追 = 辶 + 丿 + 口 (pursue); 溯 = 氵 + 朔 (trace upstream)

Meaning

To trace back; to date back to; to retrospect. To investigate or follow something back to its origin.

A formal verb for tracing historical origins, investigating causes, or examining the development of something from its source. Common in academic, legal, and historical contexts. Often collocates with 到 to indicate the point of origin.

Examples

1. 这项传统可以追溯到唐朝。 This tradition can be traced back to the Tang dynasty.
2. 调查人员正在追溯病毒的源头。 Investigators are tracing the virus back to its source.
3. 这个家族的历史可追溯到五百年前。 This family’s history can be traced back five hundred years.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, history, investigation

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 这门艺术的起源可以追溯到史前时代。(The origin of this art can be traced back to prehistoric times.)
• 该制度的追溯期为两年。(The retroactive period for this system is two years.)

Don't Say

• 追溯明天 — 追溯 only goes backward in time; use 展望 for looking forward

Origin & History

追 (to pursue, to follow) + 溯 (to go upstream, to trace)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal