Translation guide
The English word 'microscope' refers to an instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye. In Japanese, the standard term is 顕微鏡 (けんびきょう). This guide covers the basic noun, related compound terms, and common expressions.
microscope
Referring to a microscope as a physical device
The standard Japanese word for 'microscope'. Used in all contexts, from science labs to everyday conversation.
This microscope is very high-performance.
I used a microscope at school.
Loanword from English. Sometimes used in brand names or technical contexts, but 顕微鏡 is much more common.
This microscope can be connected via USB.
Specifying a particular kind of microscope
Actions related to operating a microscope
To look through a microscope. The verb のぞく means 'to peer into'.
He looked through the microscope and searched for microorganisms.
To see/view with a microscope. A very common and natural expression.
Please look at this sample under the microscope.
To use a microscope. Simple and direct.
I used a microscope for the first time.
Using 'microscope' metaphorically to mean intense scrutiny
To examine something as if with a microscope; to scrutinize minutely.
His past was scrutinized as if under a microscope.
Microscopic (in the sense of extremely detailed). Often used in formal or academic contexts.
顕微鏡 (けんびきょう) is for small things; 望遠鏡 (ぼうえんきょう) is for distant things. They are not interchangeable.
I bought a new microscope.
Under the microscope, the cells looked beautiful.
Electron microscope. Used for much higher magnification.
Viruses can only be seen with an electron microscope.
I observe insects with a stereo microscope.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM). A specialized type of electron microscope.
We examined the surface structure with a scanning electron microscope.
His analysis has microscopic precision.