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.
The doctor inspected the patient.
Inspect the quality of the products.
Used for routine checks and maintenance inspections, especially of equipment, vehicles, or buildings.
Inspect the car.
Regularly inspect fire safety equipment.
Formal term for an official visit to inspect a site, often used in government or business contexts.
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.
I inspected the leaf with a magnifying glass.
Literally 'look well', a natural casual phrase for inspecting something visually.
Inspect it closely for scratches.
Formal term for a thorough, detailed examination, often used in business or academic contexts.
We need to inspect the data thoroughly.
To look over something quickly to ensure it is in good condition or to spot obvious issues.
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.
Inspect blood at a health checkup.
Inspect the air conditioner filter.
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.
Please inspect the documents carefully.
The security guard is inspecting the building.