Translation guide
The English word "discovery" covers a range of meanings from finding something new or lost to realizing a fact. In Japanese, different words and expressions are used depending on what is discovered and the context.
To express the act of discovering something for the first time, such as a new planet, species, or fact.
The most common and general word for discovery. Used for finding new things, facts, or people. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (発見する).
新しい惑星の発見が発表された。
The discovery of a new planet was announced.
彼は重要な事実を発見した。
He discovered an important fact.
Emphasizes that the discovery is new or novel. Often used in headlines or to highlight freshness.
これは科学の新発見だ。
This is a new discovery in science.
To express finding a lost item, a hidden place, or something that was not known to be there.
Also used for finding lost items or hidden things. Very versatile.
なくした鍵を発見した。
I found my lost keys.
The most common verb for 'to find' something. More casual than 発見する. Used for everyday discoveries.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to be found'. Used when the subject is the thing discovered.
To express the act of becoming aware of something, often about oneself or a situation.
Noun meaning 'realization' or 'awareness'. Often used for personal insights or epiphanies.
この経験から多くの気づきを得た。
I gained many discoveries (insights) from this experience.
Verb meaning 'to notice', 'to realize', or 'to become aware of'. Very common.
自分の間違いに気づいた。
I discovered my mistake. (I realized my mistake.)
彼女の気持ちに気づかなかった。
I didn't realize her feelings.
Can also be used for personal discoveries, but 気づき is more natural for internal realizations.
To express finding a talented person, such as an artist or athlete.
Literally 'excavation', but commonly used for discovering new talent (e.g., in entertainment or sports).
彼はスカウトによって発掘された。
He was discovered by a scout.
新たな才能の発掘に力を入れている。
They are focusing on the discovery of new talent.
Verb meaning 'to find out' or 'to discover' (often used for talent or value). More formal/literary.
To refer to the legal process of disclosing documents or facts.
Means 'disclosure' or 'discovery' in legal contexts. Used for revealing information or documents.
証拠の開示が命じられた。
Discovery of evidence was ordered.
発見 (hakken) is more formal and often used for significant or scientific discoveries. 見つける (mitsukeru) is the everyday verb for finding something. Use 見つける in casual conversation.
新しい星を発見した。
Discovered a new star. (formal/scientific)
駅の近くでいいカフェを見つけた。
I found a nice café near the station. (casual)
While 発見 can be used for personal insights, 気づき (kizuki) or 気づく (kizuku) are more natural for 'realizing' something. Using 発見 in such contexts can sound overly dramatic or unnatural.
やっと財布を見つけた。
I finally found my wallet.
隠れた名店を見つけた。
I discovered a hidden gem of a restaurant.
鍵が見つかった。
The keys were found.
自分について新しい発見をした。
I made a new discovery about myself.
彼は若い才能を見出した。
He discovered young talent.
Loanword from English, used specifically in legal contexts (e.g., e-discovery).
電子ディスカバリーの手続きが始まった。
The e-discovery process has begun.