Translation guide
The English word "survey" covers several distinct actions: conducting a questionnaire or poll, examining land or buildings, and taking a broad look at something. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
To collect opinions or data from a group of people through questions.
The most common and natural word for a questionnaire or opinion poll. Used for customer satisfaction surveys, market research, etc.
Please cooperate with this survey.
We are compiling the survey results.
A formal term for investigation or research, often used in official or academic contexts. Can refer to surveys, but is broader than just questionnaires.
We conducted an awareness survey.
Combines 'questionnaire' and 'investigation' for clarity, often used in formal reports.
According to the questionnaire survey, satisfaction was 80%.
To examine the condition, boundaries, or value of land or a building.
Specifically refers to land surveying: measuring boundaries, topography, etc.
I requested a land survey.
Used for building inspections or condition surveys, often in real estate or construction.
Inspection or examination, often for safety or quality. Used for building surveys focusing on structural integrity.
To look at or study something broadly, such as a field of study, a situation, or a landscape.
A general survey or overview, often used in academic or literary contexts.
This book surveys Japanese history.
Can be used for a systematic survey of a topic, but is more formal and implies detailed research.
Literally 'to look out over', used for surveying a landscape or scene.
アンケート specifically means a questionnaire or poll where people answer questions. 調査 is a broader term for any investigation or research, including surveys, but also field studies, data analysis, etc. Use アンケート for customer feedback forms; use 調査 for academic or formal research.
customer satisfaction survey (questionnaire)
market research/survey
The loanword サーベイ exists but is rarely used in natural Japanese. It sounds like English jargon and may not be understood. Stick to アンケート or 調査.
Please fill out this survey.
The survey shows that most people prefer option A.
They surveyed the land before building.
We will conduct a building survey.
We did an earthquake-resistance survey of the house.
I will report the results of the market survey.
山頂から町を見渡した。
I surveyed the town from the mountaintop.