Translation guide
The English phrase 'careful examination' refers to looking at something closely and thoroughly, often to find details, errors, or understand it better. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various nouns and verbs that emphasize scrutiny, inspection, or detailed checking. The most common and versatile term is 検査 (kensa), but other words like 精査 (seisa), 点検 (tenken), and 吟味 (ginmi) are used depending on the context and nuance.
To express the act of examining something carefully, often in medical, technical, or quality control contexts.
The most common and general term for examination, inspection, or testing. Used in medical checkups, product inspections, and scientific testing.
医者は患者を注意深く検査した。
The doctor carefully examined the patient.
製品の品質検査を行う。
We conduct a quality inspection of the products.
A more formal term meaning 'close examination' or 'scrutiny'. Often used in business or academic contexts when a detailed review is needed.
提案書を精査した後、決定します。
After a careful examination of the proposal, we will decide.
Used for inspection or checking, especially of equipment, machinery, or facilities. Implies a systematic check for problems or maintenance.
車の定期点検を受ける。
I get a regular inspection of my car.
Implies careful examination with a critical eye, often used when evaluating the quality, suitability, or truth of something. Can be used for scrutinizing evidence, ingredients, or arguments.
証拠を吟味する。
We carefully examine the evidence.
To emphasize a deep, meticulous examination, often of documents, data, or abstract matters.
As above, but here it's the primary choice for detailed scrutiny. Often used with する (suru) to mean 'to scrutinize'.
データを精査して誤りを見つけた。
I found an error after a careful examination of the data.
Literally 'detailed investigation'. This phrase is used when the examination involves research or fact-finding.
事件の詳細な調査が行われた。
A careful examination of the incident was conducted.
Means 'careful consideration' or 'deliberation'. Used when the examination is mental, such as thinking over a problem.
Specifically for health-related examinations, such as a doctor's checkup or diagnostic test.
Refers to a medical examination by a doctor. It implies a consultation and physical checkup.
医師の診察を受ける。
I undergo a medical examination by a doctor.
In medical contexts, 検査 often refers to specific tests (blood test, X-ray, etc.) rather than a general checkup.
検査 (kensa) is the broadest term for examination or inspection, used in medical, scientific, and quality control contexts. 点検 (tenken) is specifically for checking the condition or safety of equipment, vehicles, or buildings, often as part of maintenance. 精査 (seisa) implies a more detailed, analytical scrutiny, often of documents, data, or proposals, and is more formal.
The English phrase 'careful examination' is often translated directly as 注意深い検査 (chuui bukai kensa), but this can sound unnatural or overly literal. Instead, use the appropriate noun or verb that inherently carries the nuance of carefulness, such as 精査する (seisa suru) or 吟味する (ginmi suru), or add an adverb like よく (yoku) or しっかり (shikkari) to a verb like 調べる (shiraberu).
その問題を熟考した。
I gave the problem a careful examination.
A general health checkup, often a comprehensive battery of tests.
年に一度、健康診断を受けている。
I have a careful medical examination once a year.
I'm waiting for the results of the blood examination.