Translation guide
The English word "surveying" can refer to the technical practice of measuring land, as well as the act of examining or investigating something broadly. This guide covers both meanings, with a focus on natural Japanese expressions for English-speaking learners.
The technical or professional activity of measuring land to determine boundaries, elevations, and features.
The standard term for land surveying as a profession or activity. Used in technical, legal, and everyday contexts.
He works in surveying.
Please survey this land.
The verb form meaning "to survey (land)." Used when describing the action of measuring.
We plan to survey the land tomorrow.
Refers to actual on-site measurement or surveying, often contrasted with estimates or maps. More technical.
We create maps based on survey data.
To look over, examine, or study something in a comprehensive way, such as a scene, a field of study, or public opinion.
The most common word for investigation, research, or survey. Used for opinion polls, market research, academic studies, etc.
He conducted a market survey.
The verb form meaning "to investigate" or "to survey."
We need to survey the issue in detail.
Means "general survey" or "overview." Used in academic or formal contexts to describe a broad examination of a topic.
Literally "to look out over" a landscape or scene. Can be used figuratively for surveying a situation, but is more literary.
測量 (そくりょう) is specifically for land surveying and measurement. 調査 (ちょうさ) is for investigating or researching any topic, such as opinions, markets, or academic subjects. Do not use 測量 for non-land contexts.
The loanword サーベイ is sometimes used in academic or business contexts (e.g., サーベイ調査), but it is not a natural default. Use 調査 or 測量 instead depending on the meaning.
The results of the opinion survey were announced.
この論文は日本文学の概観を提供する。
This paper provides a survey of Japanese literature.
彼は山頂から町を見渡した。
He surveyed the town from the mountaintop.