Translation guide
The English term 'fact-finding' refers to the process of gathering information or investigating to determine the truth. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various nouns, verbs, and set phrases depending on the context, such as formal investigations, casual information gathering, or preliminary research.
To describe an official or systematic effort to uncover facts, often by an organization, committee, or authority.
The committee launched a fact-finding investigation.
An investigation is being conducted into the cause of the accident.
Literally 'fact investigation'. Used in formal contexts to emphasize the search for truth, often in legal or journalistic settings.
News organizations should conduct thorough fact-finding.
Refers to an interrogation or questioning, often by police or authorities, to gather facts from individuals.
The police conducted a fact-finding interrogation of the suspect.
Inspection or on-site investigation, often used for regulatory or compliance checks (e.g., tax audits, safety inspections).
A tax audit (fact-finding inspection) was conducted.
To describe the act of collecting basic information or doing background research before a decision or action.
Preliminary investigation or homework. Commonly used for personal research before a trip, meeting, or project.
I did some fact-finding (preliminary research) before the trip.
Loanword from English 'research'. Often used in casual or business settings for gathering information, especially online.
To describe a visit or delegation sent to gather information on a particular issue or location.
Inspection or observation tour. Often used for official visits to assess a situation, such as by government officials or business executives.
The minister went on a fact-finding visit to the disaster area.
Investigation team or fact-finding mission group. Refers to the group itself rather than the activity.
To describe informal fact-checking or verifying information in everyday situations.
The English compound 'fact-finding' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating it literally as 事実発見 (じじつはっけん) is unnatural and rarely used. Instead, choose a term based on the context: formal investigation (調査), preliminary research (下調べ), or verification (確認).
調査 (ちょうさ) is a formal, systematic investigation, often by an organization. 下調べ (したしらべ) is informal preliminary research done by an individual. Use 調査 for official fact-finding missions and 下調べ for personal homework or background checks.
Information gathering. A neutral term for collecting data or facts, often used in business or intelligence contexts.
Let's start with some fact-finding (information gathering).
その件についてちょっとリサーチしてみる。
I'll do a little fact-finding (research) on that matter.
The team headed to the site for a fact-finding field survey.
The government dispatched a fact-finding mission.
We need to do some fact-finding to corroborate that information.