Translation guide
The English word "observation" covers several related ideas: the act of watching or noticing something carefully, a remark or comment based on what you've noticed, and the general practice of monitoring. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on your intended meaning.
To describe the action of carefully watching something, often for a specific purpose like science, medicine, or security.
The most common and general word for 'observation' as a deliberate act of watching. Used in scientific, medical, and everyday contexts.
科学の授業で植物の成長を観察した。
We observed the growth of plants in science class.
医者は患者の様子を注意深く観察した。
The doctor carefully observed the patient's condition.
Implies surveillance or monitoring, often for security or control. Stronger nuance of watching over something continuously.
防犯カメラが店内を監視している。
Security cameras are monitoring the inside of the store.
Used for observational visits, like touring a factory or school. Not for scientific observation.
工場見学はとても勉強になった。
The factory tour was very educational.
To express a spoken or written comment based on something you have noticed or thought about.
The most natural word for a personal observation or opinion. Often used when sharing thoughts in a discussion.
彼は会議で興味深い意見を述べた。
He made an interesting observation at the meeting.
Formal word for an observation or finding, often used in reports, medical notes, or official documents.
A casual way to say 'something I noticed' or 'my observation'. Literally 'thing(s) I realized/noticed'.
気づいたことを何でも言ってください。
Please share any observations you have.
Refers to a remark or statement made in a formal setting like a meeting. Focuses on the act of speaking rather than the content.
To refer to the ability to notice things or the fact of having noticed something.
Means 'powers of observation' or 'observational skills'. Used to describe someone's ability to notice details.
彼女は観察力が鋭い。
She has keen powers of observation.
A natural phrase meaning 'you're very observant' or 'you notice things well'. Literally 'watching well'.
よく見ているね。その通りだよ。
You're very observant. That's exactly right.
A noun meaning 'realization' or 'awareness'. Often used in business or self-help contexts for insights gained through observation.
この研修で多くの気づきがあった。
I had many realizations (observations) during this training.
To refer to the act of following or adhering to a law, custom, or ritual.
Means 'observance' or 'compliance' with rules or laws. Formal and often used in legal or official contexts.
交通規則の遵守は重要だ。
Observance of traffic rules is important.
Alternative kanji for 遵守, same meaning and reading. Slightly less common but interchangeable.
Means 'strict observance'. Used when emphasizing that rules must be followed without exception.
English 'observation' is often used where Japanese would use a more specific word. For example, 'I made an observation' is usually 気づいたことを言った or 意見を述べた, not 観察をした. Reserve 観察 for deliberate watching or scientific contexts.
観察 is neutral observation for learning or understanding. 監視 implies monitoring for security or control, often with a negative nuance of being watched.
彼は経過観察のため入院した。
He was admitted to the hospital for observation.
経過観察 is a medical term meaning 'follow-up observation'.
According to the doctor's observations, surgery is not necessary.
彼の発言は場違いだった。
His remark was out of place.
Observance of traffic rules is important.
Please be punctual (strict observance of time).