track

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is き, and no kun reading is listed. It has 9 strokes and relates to a set track or a path left by movement.
• Basic usage: 軌道 is read きどう, and 軌跡 is read きせき.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 軌道 / 軌跡
  • 軌道 means orbit or track and is read きどう. It applies to an orbit and figuratively to a business getting on track.
  • 新しい事業がようやく軌道に乗った。 means “The new business has finally gotten on track.”
  • 軌跡 means trajectory or path and is read きせき. It refers to a trajectory left by movement or a person's path over time.
  • 夜空に流れ星の白い軌跡が残った。 means “A white meteor trail remained in the night sky.”