Go after Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡoʊ/ /ˈæftɝ
GOH AF-ter
ɡˈəʊ/ /ˈɑːftɐ
guh-OH AHF-tuh
Definition
To try to catch, pursue, or achieve something or someone, either literally (to chase) or figuratively (to seek an opportunity, goal, or person).
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal. Can be both literal (physically chase) and figurative ('go after a job', 'go after your dreams'). Often used when someone puts effort into achieving something. Don’t confuse with 'go for', which usually means just attempt, not pursue persistently.
Spanish: perseguir - intentar conseguirPortuguese (BR): perseguir - ir atrás dePortuguese (PT): perseguir - ir atrás deChinese (Simplified): 追赶 - 追求Chinese (Traditional): 追趕 - 追求Hindi: पीछे जाना - प्राप्त करने की कोशिश करनाArabic: يطارد - يسعى للحصول علىBengali: ধাওয়া করা - অনুসরণ করা - চেষ্টা করাRussian: преследовать - добиваться - гоняться заJapanese: 追いかける - 追求するVietnamese: theo đuổi - cố gắng đạt đượcKorean: 쫓다 - 추구하다Turkish: peşinden gitmek - kovalamak - elde etmeye çalışmakUrdu: تعاقب کرنا - پیچھے جانا - حاصل کرنے کی کوشش کرناIndonesian: mengejar - berusaha mendapatkan
Example Sentences
The dog went after the ball.
basic
I want to go after my dreams.
basic
She decided to go after a new job.
basic
If you want something, you have to go after it.
natural
He’s going after a scholarship this year.
natural
The police went after the suspect right away.
natural