Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Investigation" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "investigation", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
調査
ちょうさ (chōsa)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
究明
きゅうめい (kyuumei)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "investigation" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 調査 and 究明.
In Japanese, 調査 (ちょうさ (chōsa)) is typically associated with "investigation, survey, research" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Refers to the act of systematically looking into a matter to gather facts or information. Often used with 「する」 as a verb.
On the other hand, 究明 (きゅうめい (kyuumei)) maps to "investigation, ascertainment, thorough inquiry" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents ある事実や原因などを徹底的に調べ、真実を突き止めるニュアンス。特に、不正や事故の原因など、隠されたものを暴く際に使う。. A literal translation of "investigation" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "調査"
警察はその事件を調査しています。
The police are investigating the case.
Bilingual Context for "究明"
事故の原因を徹底的に究明する。
We will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "警察はその事件を ＿＿＿ しています。" (Meaning: "The police are investigating the case.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "調査" fits here because it means "investigation, survey, research" in the context of: "The police are investigating the case.". "究明" represents "investigation, ascertainment, thorough inquiry".