Translation guide
The English verb 'scan' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: quickly looking over text or an area, examining something closely, using a machine to read or image something, and poetic meter. Each meaning requires different Japanese expressions.
Specifically for skimming or scanning text without reading every word.
レポートを流し読みした。
I scanned through the report.
To scan a wide area visually, like a room or landscape.
部屋を見渡した。
I scanned the room.
Loanword from English, used informally for quick looking, but more commonly for machine scanning.
メニューをスキャンした。
I scanned the menu.
To look at something carefully and systematically, often to find details or flaws.
Formal term for scrutinizing or examining in detail. Common in business and technical contexts.
データを精査した。
We scanned the data thoroughly.
To examine carefully and patiently. More conversational than 精査する.
書類をじっくり調べた。
I scanned the documents carefully.
Can be used for close examination in some technical contexts, but often implies machine scanning.
システムがエラーをスキャンする。
The system scans for errors.
To use a scanner or similar device to convert a physical document, barcode, or image into digital form.
The standard loanword for using a scanner. Widely understood.
この書類をスキャンしてください。
Please scan this document.
QRコードをスキャンする。
Scan the QR code.
Means 'to read' or 'to capture' data, often used for barcodes, cards, or sensors. More native-sounding than スキャンする in some contexts.
バーコードを読み取る。
Scan the barcode.
Technical term for converting to an image. Used in specific IT contexts.
文書を画像化する。
Scan the document into an image.
To analyze the rhythmic structure of a line of verse.
The standard phrase for scanning poetry. Used in academic or literary contexts.
詩の韻律を分析する。
Scan the meter of the poem.
Rare loanword from 'scansion', used only in specialized poetry studies.
この行をスキャンションする。
Scan this line.
The English verb 'scan' covers both quick looking and careful examination, which are opposite actions. In Japanese, you must choose the appropriate verb based on the intended meaning. Using スキャンする for everything can sound unnatural or confusing.
ざっと見る means to look over quickly or superficially, while 精査する means to examine in detail. They are not interchangeable. Context determines which one matches the English 'scan'.
彼女は地平線を見渡した。
She scanned the horizon.
キーワードを探して記事をざっと見た。
I scanned the article for keywords.
IDカードをスキャンしてください。
Please scan your ID card.