追随

• Reading: ついずい
• Romaji: tsuizui
• Kanji breakdown: 追 (tsui/o) — chase, follow; 随 (zui/shitaga) — follow, accompany
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.i.zɯ.i/

Meaning

Following; emulation; pursuance. Closely following behind someone or something, often imitating their lead or keeping pace.

A suru-verb noun (追随する) used when one entity follows another's example, strategy, or achievement. Common in business contexts (competitors following a market leader) and evaluative statements. The phrase 追随を許さない (allowing no rivals to follow) is a set expression praising peerless excellence.

Examples

1. 業界最大手の戦略に他社が追随している。 Other companies are following the strategy of the industry leader.
2. 彼女の圧倒的な実力に追随できる者はいなかった。 There was no one who could follow her overwhelming ability.
3. 新技術のトレンドに追随するだけでは差別化できない。 Simply following new technology trends is not enough to differentiate oneself.

Usage Guide

Context: business, competitive analysis, evaluation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound of 追 (chase, follow) and 随 (follow, accompany). 随 implies following willingly or naturally in someone's wake.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional