Translation guide
The act of cutting something apart to study its internal structure, or a detailed analysis. In Japanese, different words are used for physical dissection (especially in biology) versus metaphorical analysis.
Cutting open a dead organism to examine its internal parts, typically in a scientific or educational context.
The standard term for dissection of animals or humans for scientific study. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (解剖する).
We dissected a frog in biology class.
The cause of death was determined as a result of the dissection.
Refers to cutting open, often in a surgical context. It can imply an incision rather than a full exploratory dissection. Not typically used for classroom dissection of animals.
The surgeon made an incision in the affected area.
Examining something in great detail, breaking it down into its components, such as an argument, a text, or a problem.
The most common word for analysis. It implies breaking something down into its elements to understand it. Can be used for data, texts, situations, etc.
He thoroughly analyzed the problem.
Used metaphorically for a very detailed, almost surgical analysis, often of a text, argument, or social phenomenon. It carries a nuance of exposing hidden structures.
Means a close or meticulous examination. It is more about scrutinizing details than breaking down structure. Often used in formal or business contexts.
解剖 (kaibou) is primarily physical dissection. When used metaphorically, it suggests a very detailed, almost clinical breakdown. 分析 (bunseki) is the general term for analysis and is safer for most non-physical contexts.
Analyze the cause of the accident.
Dissect a social issue.
データの分析には時間がかかる。
Analyzing the data takes time.
評論家がその小説を解剖した。
The critic dissected the novel.
契約書を精査する必要がある。
We need to scrutinize the contract.