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

遡Tone 4

sù ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

树檀

遡 · sù

To trace back to the source;

to go upstream;

to retrospect;

to follow back to the origin.

To trace back to the sourceto go upstreamto retrospect

Usage highlights

Trace back to the sourceGo upstream against the currentTrace originsTrace lineageRetrospect historyNavigate upstream

Synonyms

  • 溯— To go against the current; to trace back (variant form)
  • 追— To chase; to pursue; to trace
  • 寻— To seek; to search; to look for

Antonyms

  • 顺— To follow along; to go with the flow
  • 沿— To go downstream; to follow the current

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We need to trace back to the source of the problem (追溯问题的根源).
  • The river flows upstream (河流遡流而上).
  • He is tracing his family lineage (他正在遡寻家族谱系).
  • We should review the historical origins (我们应该遡源历史).

Collocations

  • Trace back to the source(追溯)
  • Go upstream against the current(遡流)
  • Trace origins(遡源)
  • Trace lineage(遡寻)
  • Retrospect history(遡史)
  • Navigate upstream(遡游)

Idioms

  • Trace the source and investigate the origin(追根遡源)
  • Trace back to the beginning(遡本求源)
  • Go upstream to seek the source(遡流求源)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character embodies the philosophical concept of understanding the present by examining origins and causes.
  • Frequently used in historical and genealogical contexts to emphasize the importance of understanding roots and beginnings.
  • Reflects the traditional Chinese value of learning from history and understanding fundamental principles.

FAQ