Translation guide
The English word "inspection" covers a range of checking activities, from formal official examinations to casual visual checks. In Japanese, different words are used depending on who is inspecting, what is being inspected, and the purpose of the inspection.
A thorough, often mandatory examination carried out by an official body or inspector, such as a safety inspection, building inspection, or quality control check.
The most general term for a formal inspection or examination, often medical, technical, or official. Used for things like product quality checks, medical tests, and safety inspections.
We will conduct a product quality inspection.
Tomorrow, I have a blood test at my health checkup.
A detailed inspection or check of equipment, vehicles, or facilities, often for maintenance or safety. Implies a careful, point-by-point examination.
I get my car's regular inspection.
An inspection of the fire safety equipment was carried out.
An audit or inspection, typically of accounts, compliance, or administrative processes. Used in business and government contexts.
An accounting audit will be conducted.
Censorship or inspection of publications, films, etc., for objectionable content. Not a general inspection.
During the war, newspaper censorship was strict.
A quick visual examination to see if something is okay, often done by an individual without official authority.
To confirm or check something visually or by other means. Very common and versatile. Often used in phrases like 'visual inspection' (目視確認).
Please check the tire pressure before departure.
To look over, glance through, or inspect a document or item quickly. Literally 'pass one's eyes over'.
Loanword from English, used for a quick check or inspection, often in casual or business contexts.
Moving around to inspect an area, often for security, safety, or assessment.
Patrol or rounds, often by police, security guards, or maintenance staff. Implies moving around to inspect.
The security guard is doing a night patrol/inspection.
An official inspection or tour, often by a person in authority, such as a government official or executive visiting a site.
A casual patrol or look-around, often for security or to check on things. Less formal than 巡回.
検査 (kensa) is a formal, often technical or medical inspection. 点検 (tenken) is a detailed check of equipment or facilities, usually for maintenance. 確認 (kakunin) is a general confirmation or check, often visual. Use 検査 for official tests, 点検 for machinery, and 確認 for everyday checks.
Shaken is a vehicle inspection.
Please inspect the air conditioner.
I check that the doors are locked.
In many situations where English uses 'inspection', Japanese uses a more specific verb or phrase. For example, 'inspect the luggage' might be 荷物を調べる (nimotsu o shiraberu) or 手荷物検査 (tenimotsu kensa) at the airport. Always consider the context.
The building is due for an inspection next week.
I did a quick inspection of the car before buying it.
Please inspect the goods upon delivery.
Please visually inspect to see if there are any problems.
書類にざっと目を通してください。
Please give the documents a quick inspection.
I check my email.
The mayor inspected the disaster area.
夜の見回りをする。
I do a night inspection round.