Translation guide
The English verb "investigate" covers a range of actions from formal inquiries to casual looking into something. Japanese uses different words depending on the nature of the investigation, its formality, and whether it's about finding facts, examining causes, or checking something out.
The police are investigating the case.
A committee was set up to investigate the cause of the accident.
Specifically a criminal investigation, searching for evidence or suspects. Used mainly for police work.
The police are investigating the murder case.
To interrogate or investigate someone closely, often in a legal or disciplinary context. Implies questioning a person.
To interrogate a suspect.
To examine or look into something more casually, often to find out information or verify something.
The most common everyday word for 'look up', 'check', or 'investigate'. Used for finding information, examining facts, etc.
I looked up the meaning of that word in the dictionary.
To probe, explore, or sound out. Often implies investigating discreetly or trying to find out hidden information.
To investigate thoroughly in order to clarify the truth, often used for causes or scientific inquiry. More formal and academic.
To investigate the cause of the accident thoroughly.
To study a subject in detail in order to discover new facts or test hypotheses.
調べる is the everyday verb for looking something up or checking. 調査する is more formal and systematic, often used for official inquiries, surveys, or research. Use 調べる for casual fact-finding and 調査する for structured investigations.
English 'investigate' can often be replaced by more specific verbs in Japanese. For example, 'investigate a noise' might be 音の原因を調べる (check the cause of the noise) rather than a direct translation.
We need to investigate the matter further.
I'll investigate and get back to you.
Casual promise to look into something.
彼の経歴をインターネットで調べてみた。
I tried investigating his background on the internet.
彼の本心を探ろうとした。
I tried to probe his true feelings.
The journalist is investigating the politician's corruption.