How to say "discovery" in Japanese

• 発見はっけんJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe default word for discovery: finding something previously unknown, such as an object, place, or scientific fact. It is neutral and covers most everyday and academic uses.
  これは驚おどろくべき発見はっけんだ。↗

  This is a surprising discovery.
• 発覚はっかくCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbCovers a plot, fraud, or other wrongdoing coming to light or being uncovered. It implies that something hidden is revealed, often to public attention, rather than a neutral act of finding.
  あの政治家せいじかはいわゆるリクルート・スキャンダルが発覚はっかくして以来いらい落ち目おちめになってしまった。↗

  That politician has come down in the world since the so-called "Recruit scandal" was publicized.
• 露見ろけんCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbAlso for a plot or misdeed being exposed or coming to light, much like 発覚. For most learners it is seldom the word you want; 発覚 is the natural choice in this sense.
  彼かれの罪つみは露見ろけんするだろう。↗

  His sin will find him out.
• 発掘はっくつJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbDiscovery in the sense of unearthing or finding a new fact, talent, or similar hidden thing. It suggests digging something valuable out that was buried or overlooked.
• 開示かいじCommon
  nounDiscovery in the legal sense: the disclosure of evidence or information, as in litigation proceedings. It does not refer to finding things in general, so it fits only this specialized meaning.

Use 発見 for finding things or facts in general, 発覚 and 露見 for plots or wrongdoing coming to light, 発掘 for unearthing facts or talent, and 開示 for the legal sense of disclosure.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 発見はっけんdiscovery
• 発覚はっかくdetection (of a plot, fraud, etc.)
• 露見ろけんdiscovery (of a plot, misdeed, etc.)
• ディスカバリーdiscovery
• 顕露けんろdiscovery
• 創製そうせいinvention
• 発掘はっくつdiscovery (of a new fact, talent, etc.)
• 開示かいじdiscovery
• 洗い出しあらいだしfinding out (after an extensive search or investigation)