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 most common and versatile term for 'investigation' or 'inquiry'. It covers fact-finding in formal contexts like government, business, or academic research.
委員会は事実調査を開始した。
The committee launched a fact-finding investigation.
事故の原因について調査が行われている。
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.
報道機関は事実調査を徹底するべきだ。
News organizations should conduct thorough fact-finding.
Refers to an interrogation or questioning, often by police or authorities, to gather facts from individuals.
警察は容疑者の取り調べを行った。
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).
税務署の査察が入った。
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.
旅行の前に下調べをしておいた。
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.
大臣が被災地を視察した。
The minister went on a fact-finding visit to the disaster area.
On-the-ground investigation or field survey. Emphasizes direct observation and data collection at the site.
Investigation team or fact-finding mission group. Refers to the group itself rather than the activity.
政府は調査団を派遣した。
The government dispatched a fact-finding mission.
To describe informal fact-checking or verifying information in everyday situations.
Confirmation or verification. Used when checking facts or details, often in daily life or work.
事実かどうか確認してください。
Please fact-check (verify) whether it's true.
To obtain corroboration or supporting evidence. Used when seeking proof to back up a claim.
その情報の裏付けを取る必要がある。
We need to do some fact-finding to corroborate that information.
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.
まずは情報収集から始めよう。
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.
チームは実地調査のために現地へ向かった。
The team headed to the site for a fact-finding field survey.