Translation guide
To search through something by moving things around, often in a messy or thorough way. Can be literal (digging through a pile) or figurative (digging through data).
I dug through my bag looking for my keys.
To rummage, fish around, or scavenge. Often used for searching through things like drawers, pockets, or even trash.
I dug through the drawer looking for the document.
To search around, go through various places. Implies moving from one spot to another while searching.
I dug through the whole house and finally found it.
Literally 'dig up and turn over'. Used for physically digging through soil, rubble, or piles. Can be metaphorical for digging up old issues.
I dug through the garden looking for the buried treasure.
To examine a large amount of information thoroughly to find something.
To investigate thoroughly, exhaustively search through information.
He dug through past records and found evidence.
To search thoroughly. A straightforward way to express digging through information.
To examine every nook and cranny, leave no stone unturned. Emphasizes completeness.
To physically or metaphorically wade through something difficult, dirty, or tedious.
Do not translate 'dig through' literally as 掘る (horu) unless you are actually digging in the ground. For searching through items, use 漁る (asaru) or かき回して探す (kakimawashite sagasu).
I dug through the data and found the error.
The police dug through his background thoroughly.
I dug through a mountain of paperwork.