Translation guide
The English word 'microscope' refers to an instrument used to see objects that are too small for the naked eye. In Japanese, the standard term is 顕微鏡 (けんびきょう). This guide covers the basic noun, related compound terms, and common expressions.
顕微鏡
microscope
Referring to a microscope as a physical device
The standard Japanese word for 'microscope'. Used in all contexts, from science labs to everyday conversation.
この顕微鏡はとても高性能です。
This microscope is very high-performance.
学校で顕微鏡を使いました。
I used a microscope at school.
Loanword from English. Sometimes used in brand names or technical contexts, but 顕微鏡 is much more common.
このマイクロスコープはUSB接続できます。
This microscope can be connected via USB.
Specifying a particular kind of microscope
Optical microscope (light microscope). The most common type.
光学顕微鏡で細胞を観察した。
I observed cells with an optical microscope.
Stereo microscope (dissecting microscope). Used for viewing larger, three-dimensional objects.
実体顕微鏡で昆虫を観察する。
I observe insects with a stereo microscope.
Actions related to operating a microscope
To look through a microscope. The verb のぞく means 'to peer into'.
彼は顕微鏡をのぞいて、微生物を探した。
He looked through the microscope and searched for microorganisms.
To see/view with a microscope. A very common and natural expression.
このサンプルを顕微鏡で見てください。
Please look at this sample under the microscope.
To use a microscope. Simple and direct.
初めて顕微鏡を使った。
I used a microscope for the first time.
Using 'microscope' metaphorically to mean intense scrutiny
To examine something as if with a microscope; to scrutinize minutely.
彼の過去は顕微鏡で見るように調べられた。
His past was scrutinized as if under a microscope.
Microscopic (in the sense of extremely detailed). Often used in formal or academic contexts.
彼の分析は顕微鏡的な正確さを持っている。
His analysis has microscopic precision.
顕微鏡 (けんびきょう) is for small things; 望遠鏡 (ぼうえんきょう) is for distant things. They are not interchangeable.
新しい顕微鏡を買いました。
I bought a new microscope.
顕微鏡で見ると、細胞が美しく見えた。
Under the microscope, the cells looked beautiful.
Electron microscope. Used for much higher magnification.
ウイルスは電子顕微鏡でしか見えない。
Viruses can only be seen with an electron microscope.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM). A specialized type of electron microscope.
走査型電子顕微鏡で表面構造を調べた。
We examined the surface structure with a scanning electron microscope.