Translation guide
The English verb 'inspect' covers a range of actions from formal official examinations to casual personal checks. In Japanese, different verbs are used depending on the purpose, formality, and what is being inspected.
To examine something carefully and officially, often for quality, safety, or compliance.
The most common and general term for official inspections, such as medical exams, product quality checks, or safety inspections.
医者が患者を検査した。
The doctor inspected the patient.
Inspect the quality of the products.
Used for routine checks and maintenance inspections, especially of equipment, vehicles, or buildings.
車を点検する。
Inspect the car.
消防設備を定期的に点検する。
Regularly inspect fire safety equipment.
Formal term for an official visit to inspect a site, often used in government or business contexts.
市長が被災地を視察した。
The mayor inspected the disaster area.
To look at something closely and carefully, often to find flaws or understand details.
General verb for examining or investigating something. Can be used in both formal and casual contexts.
虫眼鏡で葉っぱを調べた。
I inspected the leaf with a magnifying glass.
書類をよく調べてください。
Please inspect the documents carefully.
Literally 'look well', a natural casual phrase for inspecting something visually.
傷がないかよく見て。
Inspect it closely for scratches.
Formal term for a thorough, detailed examination, often used in business or academic contexts.
データを精査する必要がある。
We need to inspect the data thoroughly.
To look over something quickly to ensure it is in good condition or to spot obvious issues.
Means 'to confirm' or 'to check'. Often used when inspecting to verify something.
出発前にタイヤを確認した。
I inspected the tires before departure.
To go around and inspect, like a patrol or walk-through.
警備員が建物を見回っている。
The security guard is inspecting the building.
検査する is for formal, often medical or scientific inspections. 点検する is for routine maintenance checks. 調べる is a general verb for examining or looking into something and is more versatile in casual contexts.
健康診断で血液を検査する。
Inspect blood at a health checkup.
エアコンのフィルターを点検する。
Inspect the air conditioner filter.
辞書で単語の意味を調べる。
Look up (inspect) the meaning of a word in a dictionary.
In casual English, 'inspect' can simply mean 'look at closely'. In Japanese, using 検査する or 点検する might sound too formal. Often よく見る or 調べる is more natural.
Look up (inspect) the meaning of a word in a dictionary.
In casual English, 'inspect' can simply mean 'look at closely'. In Japanese, using 検査する or 点検する might sound too formal. Often よく見る or 調べる is more natural.