Translation guide
This guide covers how to express the idea of examining something closely in Japanese, from careful visual inspection to detailed analysis.
To look at something very carefully, often to find details or flaws.
A basic and natural way to say 'look closely' or 'examine visually'. Suitable for everyday situations.
この書類をよく見てください。
Please examine this document closely.
To examine something in detail, often involving research, checking, or critical evaluation.
The most common way to say 'examine in detail' or 'investigate thoroughly'. Used for facts, documents, situations, etc.
事故の原因を詳しく調べています。
We are examining the cause of the accident closely.
To examine a patient or a body part closely, as done by a doctor.
The standard term for a medical examination by a doctor.
医者が患者を注意深く診察した。
The doctor examined the patient closely.
Use よく見る for visual examination (looking closely). Use 詳しく調べる for investigative or analytical examination (researching, checking facts).
The English phrase 'examine closely' can sound unnatural if translated word-for-word. Instead, use the natural Japanese expressions provided above depending on context.
When I looked closely with a magnifying glass, there was a tiny scratch.
Implies taking one's time to look carefully and thoroughly, often with patience.
絵をじっくり見てから感想を聞かせてください。
Please examine the painting closely and then tell me your thoughts.
Focuses on examining the fine details. Often used when checking for errors or small features.
契約書を細かく見て、問題がないか確認した。
I examined the contract closely and checked for any issues.
Means 'to observe' in a scientific or systematic way. Used for examining natural phenomena, behavior, etc.
科学者は微生物を顕微鏡で観察した。
The scientist examined the microorganisms closely under a microscope.
We need to examine this issue closely.
A formal term meaning 'to scrutinize' or 'examine closely'. Often used in business or official contexts.
提出された書類を精査した。
We closely examined the submitted documents.
Means to examine carefully, often with a critical eye, like evaluating quality or suitability. Somewhat literary.
材料を一つ一つ吟味して選んだ。
I examined each ingredient closely and selected them.
Refers to medical tests or examinations, like blood tests, X-rays, etc. Can also be used for non-medical inspections.
血液を詳しく検査した。
They examined the blood closely.