追及する

• Reading: ついきゅうする
• Romaji: tsuikyuu suru
• Kanji breakdown: 追 (tsui) — chase, pursue; 及 (kyuu) — reach, extend to
• Pronunciation: /tsɯi.kʲɯː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To pursue; to press someone for answers or hold them accountable.

A Group 3 (suru) compound verb combining 追及 (pursuit/pressing inquiry) with する. Specifically means to pursue responsibility or the truth by questioning persistently. Distinct from 追求する (to pursue a goal) and 追究する (to investigate thoroughly). Most commonly appears in political and journalistic contexts as 責任を追及する (to hold accountable).

Examples

1. 野党は首相の責任を厳しく追及した。 The opposition party pressed the prime minister hard on his responsibility.
2. 記者が不正の真相を追及し続けている。 A journalist continues to pursue the truth behind the misconduct.
3. 事故の原因について関係者を追及する方針だ。 The policy is to hold those involved accountable for the cause of the accident.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, journalism, legal, accountability

Tone: assertive

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 追 (tsui, to chase/pursue) + 及 (kyuu, to reach/extend to). Literally 'to chase until reaching,' conveying the idea of persistently pursuing someone until they answer or are held accountable.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal