追う

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 追う (おう) adds okurigana う to pursuit 追, forming a transitive verb for chasing or pursuing.
• Basic usage: It covers following a moving ball and seeking an abstract goal such as immediate profit.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Physical chase and abstract pursuit
  • ボールを追う involves movement after an object, while 利益を追う means directing effort toward a desired outcome.