なぞる
なぞる
verb (godan)
to trace, to follow along
1.
to trace, to draw over
To follow the outline or lines of something by drawing or moving along them.
文字をなぞる。
To trace characters.
子供がお手本をなぞって字を練習している。
The child is practicing writing by tracing the model characters.
指で地図の上のルートをなぞった。
I traced the route on the map with my finger.
2.
to follow, to retrace
To follow the same path, process, or sequence that someone or something took before.
歴史をなぞる。
To retrace history.
先人の足跡をなぞる。
To follow in the footsteps of those who came before.
同じ失敗をなぞらないように気をつけよう。
Let's be careful not to repeat the same mistakes.
CONJUGATION (godan-ru):
- Negative: なぞらない
- Te-form: なぞって
- Past: なぞった
- Passive: なぞられる
TRANSITIVITY:
Transitive.
USAGE:
Sense 1 is commonly used in handwriting practice and art. Sense 2 is used figuratively for following the same course or path as something prior.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 文字をなぞる: to trace characters
- 輪郭をなぞる: to trace the outline
- 足跡をなぞる: to follow in someone's footsteps
- 歴史をなぞる: to retrace history