Translation guide
The English word 'research' covers systematic investigation, academic studies, and gathering information. Japanese distinguishes between formal academic research, market research, and simply looking something up. This guide helps you choose the right expression.
Systematic investigation to discover or establish facts, principles, or theories, typically in a university or laboratory setting.
The most common and general term for academic or scientific research. Can be used as a noun or combined with する to form a verb.
彼は大学で物理学の研究をしている。
He is doing physics research at the university.
この研究は新しい治療法の開発につながる。
This research will lead to the development of new treatments.
Loanword from English, often used in business or market contexts, but also in academic settings. Sounds slightly more modern or technical.
マーケットリサーチを行った。
We conducted market research.
Investigation or survey, often used for fact-finding, field studies, or statistical research. Can overlap with 研究 but emphasizes data collection.
アンケート調査の結果を分析した。
We analyzed the results of the questionnaire survey.
Searching for information, often online or in books, without formal methodology.
The most natural verb for 'to look up' or 'to research' in everyday situations. Use this when you search the internet, check a dictionary, or find out facts.
インターネットで調べてみて。
Try looking it up on the internet.
その言葉の意味を辞書で調べた。
I looked up the meaning of that word in a dictionary.
Casual use of the loanword, often for online research or gathering information before a purchase.
旅行の前にホテルをリサーチした。
I researched hotels before the trip.
Systematic gathering of data about consumers, markets, or public opinion.
Standard term for market research.
新製品のための市場調査を実施した。
We conducted market research for the new product.
Referring to a specific research project, study, or academic paper.
Can be used with counters like 一つの研究 (one research project) or 多くの研究 (many studies).
その研究は昨年発表された。
That research was published last year.
Specifically a research paper or thesis. Use when referring to a written document.
研究 implies systematic, often academic investigation. If you just want to say 'I'll research that online,' use 調べる or リサーチする, not 研究する.
いいレストランを調べておくね。
I'll look up a good restaurant.
研究 focuses on discovering new knowledge or theories, while 調査 emphasizes gathering and analyzing existing data. In many contexts they overlap, but 調査 is preferred for surveys and field studies.
Marketing research, often used in business contexts.
マーケティングリサーチの会社に勤めている。
I work for a marketing research company.
彼は優れた研究論文を書いた。
He wrote an excellent research paper.