溯 (sù) - To go upstream & to trace back to the source

溯Tone 4

sù ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

树檀

溯 · sù

To go upstream;

to trace back to the source;

to recall;

to investigate the origin.

To go upstreamto trace back to the sourceto recall

Usage highlights

Trace back toGo upstreamTrace to the sourceRetroactive toAgainst the currentTrace the origin

Synonyms

  • 追溯— to trace back; to date from
  • 回溯— to recall; to look back upon
  • 上溯— to go upstream; to trace back

Antonyms

  • 顺流— to go with the current; downstream
  • 前进— to advance; move forward

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We traced the river upstream (溯流而上).
  • He is tracing his family history (追溯家族历史).
  • This tradition dates back to ancient times (这个传统可以追溯到古代).
  • We need to investigate the root cause of the problem (我们需要溯及问题的根源).

Collocations

  • Trace back to(追溯到)
  • Go upstream(溯流而上)
  • Trace to the source(溯源)
  • Retroactive to(溯及)
  • Against the current(溯洄)
  • Trace the origin(溯本求源)

Idioms

  • Trace to the source and seek the origin(溯本求源)
  • Pursue the roots and trace the origin(追根溯源)
  • Go upstream against the current(溯流而上)
  • Retroactive to the past(溯及既往)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character embodies the Chinese philosophical concept of understanding the present by examining origins and causes.
  • Frequently used in historical and genealogical contexts to emphasize the importance of understanding one's roots.
  • Reflects the traditional value placed on continuity and connection with ancestral heritage.

FAQ