trace

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 痕 has 11 strokes and concerns marks left by past events or injuries.
• Basic usage: 爪痕 is read つめあと, and 痕跡 is read こんせき.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Marks and remaining traces
  • The 痕 in 爪痕 is read あと.
  • 嵐の爪痕 figuratively means the scars left by a storm.
  • The 痕 in 痕跡 is read こん.
  • 古い建物の痕跡 means traces of an old building. 痕跡 can concern buildings or activities as well as injuries.