How to say "research" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 研究けんきゅうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbThe default word for research as systematic study or investigation, especially academic and scientific work; it also covers studying a subject. Choose this for most everyday uses of 'research'.
- noun, suru verb, transitive verbThe loanword, typically for gathering or checking information, as in media, marketing, or preparation for writing; for academic research, choose 研究 instead.
- 探究たんきゅうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbResearch in the sense of earnest, probing inquiry — the pursuit of truth or deeper understanding, often philosophical or intellectual rather than a concrete project; for routine research work, 研究 is the word you want.
Use 研究 for academic and scientific research; 「リサーチ」 is the loanword, typically for gathering information in business or media contexts; 探究 suggests earnest, often philosophical inquiry into truth rather than routine research.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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