Translation guide
The English word "surveying" can refer to the technical practice of measuring land, as well as the act of examining or investigating something broadly. This guide covers both meanings, with a focus on natural Japanese expressions for English-speaking learners.
The technical or professional activity of measuring land to determine boundaries, elevations, and features.
The standard term for land surveying as a profession or activity. Used in technical, legal, and everyday contexts.
To look over, examine, or study something in a comprehensive way, such as a scene, a field of study, or public opinion.
測量 (そくりょう) is specifically for land surveying and measurement. 調査 (ちょうさ) is for investigating or researching any topic, such as opinions, markets, or academic subjects. Do not use 測量 for non-land contexts.
The loanword サーベイ is sometimes used in academic or business contexts (e.g., サーベイ調査), but it is not a natural default. Use 調査 or 測量 instead depending on the meaning.
彼は測量の仕事をしています。
He works in surveying.
この土地の測量をお願いします。
Please survey this land.
The verb form meaning "to survey (land)." Used when describing the action of measuring.
明日、土地を測量する予定です。
We plan to survey the land tomorrow.
Refers to actual on-site measurement or surveying, often contrasted with estimates or maps. More technical.
実測データを基に地図を作成します。
We create maps based on survey data.
The most common word for investigation, research, or survey. Used for opinion polls, market research, academic studies, etc.
彼は市場調査を行った。
He conducted a market survey.
意識調査の結果が発表された。
The results of the opinion survey were announced.
The verb form meaning "to investigate" or "to survey."
その問題を詳しく調査する必要がある。
We need to survey the issue in detail.
Means "general survey" or "overview." Used in academic or formal contexts to describe a broad examination of a topic.
この論文は日本文学の概観を提供する。
This paper provides a survey of Japanese literature.
Literally "to look out over" a landscape or scene. Can be used figuratively for surveying a situation, but is more literary.
彼は山頂から町を見渡した。
He surveyed the town from the mountaintop.