Translation guide
A careful, sustained analysis of a text, focusing on its language, structure, and details. In Japanese academic and literary contexts, this is often expressed through specific terms for textual analysis, but the concept is also conveyed through descriptive phrases.
The practice of examining a text's language, imagery, and structure in detail, often in an academic setting.
The most direct equivalent, meaning 'intensive reading' or 'perusal'. It implies careful, detailed reading, often used in educational contexts for analyzing texts.
A close reading of this poem reveals hidden meanings.
Literally 'text analysis', this is common in academic literary studies and aligns well with the concept of close reading.
In class, we did a close reading of the novel.
Means 'work analysis' and is used broadly for analyzing literary works, including close reading.
His close readings are always sharp.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'detailed reading'. It's less technical but can be used to explain the concept.
This passage requires a close reading.
A classroom activity where students examine a short text or passage in depth.
精読 (intensive reading) is often contrasted with 多読 (extensive reading). While 精読 focuses on detailed analysis of a short text, 多読 involves reading large amounts for general understanding. In academic contexts, 精読 is the closer match to 'close reading'.
Both intensive reading and extensive reading are important for language learning.
Through close reading, we explore the author's intent.