1.
trajectory; path; track
The path traced by a moving object or point, used in mathematics and physics.
星の軌跡を追う。
To trace the trajectory of a star.
ボールの軌跡をカメラで分析した。
The trajectory of the ball was analyzed by camera.
長時間露光で星の軌跡を撮影すると、美しい弧を描く写真になる。
Photographing star trails with a long exposure produces images of beautiful arcs.
2.
track record; history of achievements; journey
The course or record of someone's progress, career, or development over time.
バンドの軌跡をたどる。
To trace the history of a band.
彼女の選手生活の軌跡が映画になった。
The story of her athletic career was made into a movie.
この本は戦後日本の経済成長の軌跡を詳しく描いている。
This book describes in detail the trajectory of Japan's postwar economic growth.
Compound of 軌 (track, rail) + 跡 (trace, mark). Not to be confused with the homophone 奇跡 (miracle).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 軌跡をたどる (to trace a path/history)
- 軌跡を描く (to trace a trajectory)
- 軌跡を振り返る (to look back on one's journey)
USAGE NOTE:
In the figurative sense, 軌跡 implies a visible, traceable record of progress or achievement, often used in biography, documentary, and historical writing.