Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Following" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "following", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
按図索驥
あんずさくき (annzusakuki)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
踏襲
とうしゅう (toushuu)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "following" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 按図索驥 and 踏襲.
In Japanese, 按図索驥 (あんずさくき (annzusakuki)) is typically associated with "following a manual slavishly" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus..
On the other hand, 踏襲 (とうしゅう (toushuu)) maps to "following a precedent" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "following" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "按図索驥"
私は按図索驥に興味があります。
I am interested in following a manual slavishly.
Bilingual Context for "踏襲"
私は踏襲に興味があります。
I am interested in following a precedent.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "私は ＿＿＿ に興味があります。" (Meaning: "I am interested in following a manual slavishly.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "按図索驥" fits here because it means "following a manual slavishly" in the context of: "I am interested in following a manual slavishly.". "踏襲" represents "following a precedent".