追いかける

• Reading: おいかける
• Romaji: oikakeru
• Kanji breakdown: 追 (tsui/o) — to chase, to pursue
• Pronunciation: /o.i.ka.ke.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To chase; to run after; to pursue. Used for actively running after someone or something.

A Group 2 (ichidan) compound verb formed from 追い (chasing) + かける (to begin/toward). More physical and active than 追う, emphasizing the running-after action. Commonly used in everyday speech for children playing tag, chasing pets, or figuratively pursuing trends and people.

Examples

1. 子供たちが公園で友達を追いかけている。 The kids are chasing their friends around the park.
2. 犬がボールを追いかけて走った。 The dog ran after the ball.
3. バスを追いかけたが間に合わなかった。 I chased after the bus but didn't make it in time.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, play, sports

Tone: energetic

Origin & History

Compound of 追う (to chase) and かける (to run/begin), combining into a verb meaning to actively run in pursuit. かける adds intensity to the chase.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal