trace

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is そう, and the kun reading is あと. It has 15 strokes and relates to a trace or its disappearance.
• Basic usage: 失踪 is read しっそう, and 失踪者 is read しっそうしゃ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 失踪 / 失踪者
  • 失踪 means disappearance and is read しっそう. It refers to the event or state of a person disappearing and becoming unaccounted for.
  • 小説は画家の突然の失踪から始まる。 means “The novel begins with the painter's sudden disappearance.”
  • 失踪者 means missing person and is read しっそうしゃ. It refers to the missing person rather than the disappearance itself.
  • 推理小説の主人公は失踪者が残した手帳を調べます。 means “The mystery's protagonist examines a notebook left by a missing person.”