追随

• Pinyin: zhuī suí
• Hanzi breakdown: 追 = 辶 + 丿 + 口 (pursue); 随 = 阝 + 遀 (follow)

Meaning

To follow; to pursue; to be a follower of. To follow someone as a leader, model, or inspiration.

Implies devoted following of a person, ideology, or trend. Can describe discipleship, political allegiance, or following trends. Often carries connotations of loyalty and admiration.

Examples

1. 他追随导师从事了一生的研究工作。 He followed his mentor and devoted his entire life to research.
2. 年轻人盲目追随时尚潮流。 Young people blindly follow fashion trends.
3. 追随者们聚集在领袖周围。 The followers gathered around the leader.

Usage Guide

Context: leadership, trends, devotion

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她决定追随内心的声音，辞职创业。(She decided to follow her heart and quit her job to start a business.)
• 这位艺术家有大批追随者。(This artist has a large following.)

Don't Say

• 追随公共汽车 — for physically following vehicles, use 跟着 or 追; 追随 is for devotion

Origin & History

追 (to follow, to pursue) + 随 (to follow, to accompany)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal