Translation guide
The English word "discovery" covers a range of meanings from finding something new or lost to realizing a fact. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used depending on what is discovered and the context.
To express the act of discovering something for the first time, such as a new planet, species, or fact.
The most common and general word for discovery. Used for finding new things, facts, or people. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (発見する).
The discovery of a new planet was announced.
He discovered an important fact.
Emphasizes that the discovery is new or novel. Often used in headlines or to highlight freshness.
This is a new discovery in science.
To express finding a lost item, a hidden place, or something that was not known to be there.
Also used for finding lost items or hidden things. Very versatile.
I found my lost keys.
The most common verb for 'to find' something. More casual than 発見する. Used for everyday discoveries.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be found'. Used when the subject is the thing discovered.
To express the act of becoming aware of something, often about oneself or a situation.
Noun meaning 'realization' or 'awareness'. Often used for personal insights or epiphanies.
I gained many discoveries (insights) from this experience.
Verb meaning 'to notice', 'to realize', or 'to become aware of'. Very common.
Can also be used for personal discoveries, but 気づき is more natural for internal realizations.
To express finding a talented person, such as an artist or athlete.
Literally 'excavation', but commonly used for discovering new talent (e.g., in entertainment or sports).
He was discovered by a scout.
Verb meaning 'to find out' or 'to discover' (often used for talent or value). More formal/literary.
To refer to the legal process of disclosing documents or facts.
発見 (hakken) is more formal and often used for significant or scientific discoveries. 見つける (mitsukeru) is the everyday verb for finding something. Use 見つける in casual conversation.
Discovered a new star. (formal/scientific)
I found a nice café near the station. (casual)
While 発見 can be used for personal insights, 気づき (kizuki) or 気づく (kizuku) are more natural for 'realizing' something. Using 発見 in such contexts can sound overly dramatic or unnatural.
やっと財布を見つけた。
I finally found my wallet.
I discovered a hidden gem of a restaurant.
鍵が見つかった。
The keys were found.
自分の間違いに気づいた。
I discovered my mistake. (I realized my mistake.)
I didn't realize her feelings.
自分について新しい発見をした。
I made a new discovery about myself.
They are focusing on the discovery of new talent.
彼は若い才能を見出した。
He discovered young talent.
The e-discovery process has begun.