Translation guide
The English word "survey" covers several distinct actions: conducting a questionnaire or poll, examining land or buildings, and taking a broad look at something. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
To collect opinions or data from a group of people through questions.
The most common and natural word for a questionnaire or opinion poll. Used for customer satisfaction surveys, market research, etc.
このアンケートにご協力ください。
Please cooperate with this survey.
アンケートの結果を集計しています。
We are compiling the survey results.
A formal term for investigation or research, often used in official or academic contexts. Can refer to surveys, but is broader than just questionnaires.
意識調査を実施しました。
We conducted an awareness survey.
Combines 'questionnaire' and 'investigation' for clarity, often used in formal reports.
アンケート調査の結果、満足度は80%でした。
According to the questionnaire survey, satisfaction was 80%.
To examine the condition, boundaries, or value of land or a building.
Specifically refers to land surveying: measuring boundaries, topography, etc.
土地の測量を依頼しました。
I requested a land survey.
Used for building inspections or condition surveys, often in real estate or construction.
Inspection or examination, often for safety or quality. Used for building surveys focusing on structural integrity.
To look at or study something broadly, such as a field of study, a situation, or a landscape.
A general survey or overview, often used in academic or literary contexts.
この本は日本史を概観している。
This book surveys Japanese history.
Can be used for a systematic survey of a topic, but is more formal and implies detailed research.
Literally 'to look out over', used for surveying a landscape or scene.
アンケート specifically means a questionnaire or poll where people answer questions. 調査 is a broader term for any investigation or research, including surveys, but also field studies, data analysis, etc. Use アンケート for customer feedback forms; use 調査 for academic or formal research.
顧客満足度アンケート
customer satisfaction survey (questionnaire)
市場調査
market research/survey
The loanword サーベイ exists but is rarely used in natural Japanese. It sounds like English jargon and may not be understood. Stick to アンケート or 調査.
このアンケートにご記入ください。
Please fill out this survey.
調査によると、ほとんどの人がA案を好んでいます。
The survey shows that most people prefer option A.
彼らは建設前に土地を測量した。
They surveyed the land before building.
We will conduct a building survey.
We did an earthquake-resistance survey of the house.
I will report the results of the market survey.
山頂から町を見渡した。
I surveyed the town from the mountaintop.