Translation guide
The English word "perusal" means reading or examining something, often with care. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on context, formality, and whether you are reading, looking through, or checking something.
To read something, often with attention or thoroughness.
Means perusal in the sense of careful reading or studying a text. Often used in formal or written contexts.
契約書を熟読してください。
Please peruse the contract carefully.
A common, natural way to say "read carefully" or "take one's time reading." Suitable for everyday use.
この本をじっくり読んでみて。
Try perusing this book.
Intensive or close reading, often used in academic or literary contexts. Implies a deeper level of analysis than 熟読.
論文を精読する必要がある。
I need to peruse the thesis.
Reading through from beginning to end, not necessarily with extreme care. Can be used for perusal when the focus is on completeness.
資料を通読した。
I perused the materials.
To look through or glance over something, like a document or book, without necessarily reading every word.
Literally "pass one's eyes over." The most common way to say "look through" or "peruse" in a casual or business setting.
レポートに目を通しておきます。
I'll peruse the report beforehand.
Formal term for viewing or perusing documents, web pages, etc. Common in official or technical contexts.
To read roughly or skim. Implies a quick perusal rather than careful reading.
新聞をざっと読んだ。
I perused the newspaper quickly.
To examine or check something, like a document, for errors or information.
Means confirmation or checking. Often used when perusal is for verification purposes.
内容をご確認ください。
Please peruse the contents.
Inspection or detailed check. Used when perusing something for errors or problems.
English 'perusal' covers a range of reading activities. Japanese uses different words depending on whether you are reading carefully, skimming, checking, or browsing. Avoid trying to translate 'perusal' directly; instead, choose the expression that matches the specific action.
In many casual contexts, simply using 読む (to read) with an adverb like じっくり (carefully) or ざっと (roughly) is more natural than a formal compound word.
書類を閲覧するには許可が必要です。
You need permission to peruse the documents.
書類を点検する。
Peruse the documents (for errors).