Translation guide
To notice or discover something, often something hidden or not obvious. In Japanese, the best word depends on what is being detected and how.
To become aware of something through the senses or intuition, often something subtle.
Broadly means 'to feel' or 'to sense'. Used for detecting emotions, atmospheres, or physical sensations.
I detected anger in his voice.
To notice or realize something, often something that was not immediately obvious.
I detected that someone was in the room.
To sense or perceive, often used for detecting danger or hidden intentions. Slightly formal.
He detected danger and fled.
To uncover or find something that is hidden, such as a secret, error, or substance.
To find or discover something. Common for detecting physical objects or errors.
I detected an error in the document.
To discover or detect, often used in scientific or formal contexts.
A new star was detected.
To detect using instruments or technology, like radar or sensors. Technical term.
The radar detected enemy aircraft.
To use a device or method to identify the presence of something, such as gas, radiation, or a signal.
To uncover or notice illegal or unethical activity.
感じる is more about sensing a feeling or atmosphere, while 気づく is about noticing a fact or presence. Use 感じる for emotions and physical sensations; use 気づく for realizing something you didn't know before.
I feel the cold. (detect coldness)
I notice he's not here. (detect his absence)
English 'detect' is often translated directly as 検出する or 探知する, but these are technical and not used in everyday conversation. For general noticing, use 気づく or 感じる.
The reporter detected corruption.