Translation guide
The English word "interrogation" typically refers to formal questioning, often by authorities. In Japanese, the most natural equivalent depends on context: police questioning, courtroom cross-examination, or informal grilling. This guide covers common expressions from formal legal terms to casual usage.
Formal questioning by police, detectives, or authorities, often of a suspect or witness.
The standard term for police interrogation or questioning of a suspect. Used in legal and news contexts.
容疑者は警察の取り調べを受けている。
The suspect is undergoing police interrogation.
Formal questioning, often in a legal or official setting. Can imply cross-examination.
弁護士が証人に尋問を行った。
The lawyer conducted an interrogation of the witness.
Literally 'hearing the circumstances', used for voluntary questioning by police, not necessarily of a suspect.
警察が参考人として事情聴取した。
The police questioned him as a witness.
Harsh, prolonged, or hostile questioning, not necessarily by authorities.
Sharp, pressing questioning; grilling. Conveys a confrontational tone.
上司に遅刻の理由を詰問された。
My boss interrogated me about why I was late.
Literally 'strict pursuit', used for intense questioning or grilling, often in media or political contexts.
記者たちは大臣に厳しい追及をした。
The reporters subjected the minister to a harsh interrogation.
Questioning of a witness by the opposing side in a trial.
The legal term for cross-examination. Used specifically in courtroom contexts.
検察側の反対尋問が始まった。
The prosecution's cross-examination began.
Persistent questioning in everyday situations, like a parent questioning a child.
Idiom meaning to ask persistently and in detail, often nosily. Equivalent to 'grill' or 'pump for information'.
彼女は私のデートについて根掘り葉掘り聞いた。
She interrogated me about my date, asking all sorts of questions.
To bombard with questions; to give someone the third degree.
子供たちに新しいゲームのことを質問攻めにされた。
The kids interrogated me about the new game.
The English word 'interrogation' is often translated as 尋問 (jinmon) or 取り調べ (torishirabe), but these are formal terms. Using them for casual questioning sounds unnatural. For everyday grilling, use phrases like 根掘り葉掘り聞く or 質問攻めにする.
取り調べ (torishirabe) is the standard term for police interrogation of a suspect. 尋問 (jinmon) is broader and can refer to any formal questioning, especially cross-examination in court. In legal contexts, 反対尋問 (hantai jinmon) specifically means cross-examination.