Translation guide
To investigate, explore, or examine something deeply and thoroughly. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for different contexts, from casual curiosity to formal research.
To thoroughly examine a subject, often in an academic, professional, or serious context.
Literally 'dig down', this is the most common and natural way to say 'delve into' a topic. It implies going beyond the surface.
この問題をもっと掘り下げて考えよう。
Let's delve deeper into this issue.
彼は歴史的背景を掘り下げて説明した。
He delved into the historical background and explained it.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to investigate deeply'. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
その事件について深く調べる必要がある。
We need to delve into that incident.
To pursue or investigate thoroughly, often used in academic or intellectual contexts. Implies a persistent search for truth.
彼は原因を追究するために実験を繰り返した。
He repeated experiments to delve into the cause.
To quest or search for something, often used for philosophical or abstract pursuits. More literary.
人生の意味を探求する旅に出た。
He set out on a journey to delve into the meaning of life.
To explore a topic casually, often driven by personal interest rather than formal research.
Literally 'look in detail', this is a casual way to say you'll delve into something. Common in everyday conversation.
その映画についてもっと詳しく見てみたい。
I want to delve more into that movie.
Means 'to try looking into it'. The 〜てみる form adds a sense of giving it a try. Very natural for casual investigation.
面白そうだから、その本をちょっと調べてみるよ。
It sounds interesting, so I'll delve into that book a bit.
To probe or explore, often used when you're trying to find out something hidden or unknown. Can be used for both physical and metaphorical searching.
To reach into something and search, like a bag, drawer, or pile.
Used for physically searching inside something by touch. Often implies feeling around.
彼はポケットを探って鍵を取り出した。
He delved into his pocket and took out the key.
More explicit: 'search inside'. Used when the container is clear from context.
バッグの中を探ったけど、財布が見つからなかった。
I delved into my bag but couldn't find my wallet.
To rummage or fish around, often roughly or desperately. Can sound a bit negative or messy.
掘り下げる is more idiomatic and common in both speech and writing. 深く調べる is more literal and can be used in any register, but may sound slightly more formal or explicit.
このテーマを掘り下げて議論しよう。
Let's discuss this theme by delving into it.
このテーマを深く調べて議論しよう。
Let's investigate this theme deeply and discuss it.
Do not translate 'delve into' literally as 入り込む or 潜り込む. These imply physically entering a space, not investigating a topic. Use 掘り下げる or 深く調べる instead.
I tried to delve into his true feelings.
He delved into the drawer looking for the document.