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A1 noun #3,051 am häufigsten 11 Min. Lesezeit

捜査

sōsa Top 3,051

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Erklärung 捜査 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '捜査' (investigation) yourself, but you might see it in simple stories or on TV. It is a very formal word. Think of it as the 'Police Word.' When you see the kanji '捜' and '査', just remember: 'Police are working.' It is like the word 'Investigation' in English, but only for bad things like crimes. If you are a beginner, just know that it relates to the police (警察 - keisatsu) and crimes (事件 - jiken). You will mostly hear it in the news. For example, 'The police are doing a 捜査.' It is a 'Suru-verb,' so people say '捜査します' (to investigate). But for now, just recognizing it when you see a police officer on a Japanese TV show is enough. It is not a word for everyday fun, it is a word for serious police work.

At the A2 level, you should be able to distinguish '捜査' from other words for 'searching.' You might know '探す' (sagasu), which is the common word for looking for your keys or a friend. '捜査' is much more formal. It is used when the police are looking for a criminal. You will see it in compound words in simple news clips, like '捜査官' (sousakan), which means 'investigator.' If you are describing a detective story you read, you can say '警察が捜査を始めました' (The police started the investigation). Remember that '捜査' is a noun, so we often use the particle 'を' before 'する'. Also, start noticing that this word is almost always paired with '警察' (police). If you use it for your lost wallet, it sounds like you are being very dramatic, like a movie character!

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At the B1 level, you should start using '捜査' in your writing and speaking when discussing news, society, or literature. You should understand that '捜査' is specifically for criminal cases. You should also be able to contrast it with '調査' (chousa). For example, a company does a '調査' (survey/research), but the police do a '捜査' (criminal investigation). You can use it in sentences like '捜査が進んでいる' (The investigation is progressing) or '捜査に協力する' (To cooperate with the investigation). At this level, you might also encounter the passive form '捜査されている' (being investigated). It is a key word for understanding Japanese crime novels (Keiji Shousetsu) and legal dramas, which are very popular in Japan. You should also recognize the kanji and be able to write them, noting the 'hand' radical in the first character.

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At the B2 level, you are expected to use '捜査' with correct collocations and in various grammatical forms. You should understand the legal nuances, such as the difference between '強制捜査' (compulsory investigation/raid) and '任意捜査' (voluntary investigation). You can use it to discuss complex social issues, such as '捜査の透明性' (transparency of investigations) or '捜査権' (investigative power). You should be comfortable using it in the passive, causative, and potential forms. For instance, '捜査を継続させる' (to make the investigation continue). You should also know related vocabulary like '証拠' (evidence), '容疑者' (suspect), and '令状' (warrant). In a debate or essay about justice, '捜査' is an essential term. You should also be aware of the nuance that a '捜査' is a formal state action, carrying the weight of the law behind it.

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At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of '捜査' within the Japanese legal and social framework. You should be able to discuss the '捜査のあり方' (the nature/state of investigations) and the ethical implications of certain investigative techniques. You will encounter this word in legal texts, high-level editorials, and academic papers on criminology. You should understand specialized terms like '特別捜査本部' (Special Investigation Headquarters) and the jurisdictional boundaries between different '捜査' divisions. At this level, you can use the word metaphorically or in highly specific legal arguments, such as discussing the '捜査の違法性' (illegality of an investigation). You should also be familiar with the historical evolution of investigative practices in Japan and how the word '捜査' is used in the Code of Criminal Procedure. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's in formal contexts.

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At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of '捜査' and all its technical, legal, and literary connotations. You can analyze the rhetoric used in '捜査報告書' (investigation reports) and understand the subtle power dynamics implied by the term in political discourse. You are capable of discussing the intersection of '捜査' with human rights law, international jurisdictional challenges (like '国際捜査共助' - international investigative assistance), and the impact of technology on '捜査' (such as digital forensics). You can appreciate the word's use in high literature, where it might be used to symbolize a deeper search for truth or identity. You understand the historical weight of the kanji and can discuss the evolution of the Japanese '捜査' system from the Edo period to the present day. You can use the word in any register, from technical legal analysis to sophisticated social commentary, with absolute precision and cultural sensitivity.

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捜査 in 30 Sekunden

捜査 (Sousa) is a formal noun meaning 'criminal investigation' conducted by police or legal authorities.
It is a 'Suru-verb,' used as '捜査する' to mean 'to investigate a crime.'
Unlike 'chousa' (general research), 'sousa' is strictly reserved for law enforcement and criminal contexts.
Commonly heard in news reports and detective dramas, it implies a serious search for evidence and suspects.

The Japanese word 捜査 (そうさ - sōsa) is a specialized noun that specifically denotes a criminal investigation. While English speakers might use the word 'investigation' for everything from a scientific study to a background check, in Japanese, 捜査 is strictly reserved for the legal and procedural actions taken by law enforcement agencies like the police or the public prosecutor's office. It implies the process of searching for suspects, collecting evidence at a crime scene, and interviewing witnesses to solve a crime. This word carries a heavy, official tone and is almost never used in casual conversation unless discussing a crime story, a news report, or a police drama on television. Understanding the nuance of this word requires recognizing that it focuses on the 'hunt' for the truth behind a violation of the law.

Official Context: This term is used by the Japanese National Police Agency and in the Code of Criminal Procedure. It involves formal steps like obtaining search warrants (捜査令状) and conducting forensic analysis.
Media Usage: You will hear this word daily on Japanese news broadcasts (ニュース) when reporters discuss ongoing criminal cases or the progress of detectives in solving a mystery.
Dramatization: In popular culture, particularly in 'Keiji-mono' (detective dramas), the phrase '捜査を開始する' (begin the investigation) is a common trope used to signal the start of the action.

警察は現在、犯人の行方を追って捜査を続けています。
— Translation: The police are currently continuing their investigation, following the whereabouts of the criminal.

The kanji themselves tell a story: 捜 (sou) means to search, look for, or locate, while 査 (sa) means to inspect, examine, or investigate. Together, they form a word that literally means 'to search and examine.' This is distinct from 調査 (chousa), which is a broader term for research or surveys that do not necessarily involve a crime. For instance, you would use 調査 for a market survey or a scientific study, but never 捜査. If you mistakenly tell a Japanese person you are '捜査-ing' your lost keys, they might think you are conducting a full-scale police raid on your own living room!

現場の捜査で、重要な証拠が見つかりました。
— Translation: Important evidence was found during the investigation of the scene.

Common Collocations: Important pairings include '捜査官' (investigator), '捜査本部' (investigation headquarters), and '捜査令状' (search warrant).

彼は捜査に全面的に協力すると言った。
— Translation: He said he would cooperate fully with the investigation.

Using 捜査 correctly involves understanding its grammatical function as a 'Suru-verb' (noun that becomes a verb by adding する). However, it is also frequently used as a standalone noun or as part of a compound noun. When used as a verb, 捜査する means 'to investigate a crime.' Because it is a formal and specific term, the sentences it appears in usually involve police, detectives, or legal procedures. It is rarely used in the first person unless the speaker is a police officer or a lawyer. For everyday people, the word appears in the passive voice (捜査されている - being investigated) or as the object of an action (捜査を依頼する - to request an investigation).

Verb Usage: Example: 警察は事件を捜査している (The police are investigating the incident). Here, the particle 'を' is used to mark the object being investigated.
Noun Usage: Example: 捜査が進展した (The investigation progressed). In this case, '捜査' is the subject of the sentence, marked by 'が'.

当局は、その政治家の資金の流れについて捜査を開始した。
— Translation: The authorities have launched an investigation into the politician's flow of funds.

One of the most common ways to see this word is in compound nouns. Japanese often strings kanji together to create specific titles or departments. For instance, 捜査一課 (Sousa Ikka) refers to the First Investigation Division of the police, which typically handles violent crimes like homicide. If you watch Japanese crime shows like 'Aibo' or 'Detective Conan,' you will hear this term constantly. Another frequent pattern is [Noun] + の捜査, such as '殺人事件の捜査' (investigation of a murder case) or '強盗事件の捜査' (investigation of a robbery case).

現在、警察が総力を挙げて捜査に当たっています。
— Translation: Currently, the police are putting all their efforts into the investigation.

Passive Voice: Example: その会社は不正取引の疑いで捜査されている (That company is being investigated on suspicion of illegal transactions).

In formal writing, such as news articles, you might see the term 強制捜査 (kyousei sousa), which means a 'compulsory investigation' or a raid. This happens when the police have a warrant and the targets of the investigation have no choice but to comply. On the other hand, 任意捜査 (nin-i sousa) refers to a voluntary investigation where the suspect or witness agrees to cooperate without a warrant. These distinctions are crucial in legal contexts but are also part of the standard vocabulary for anyone following Japanese current events.

証拠不十分のため、捜査は打ち切られた。
— Translation: The investigation was closed due to insufficient evidence.

The word 捜査 is a staple of Japanese public life, though hopefully not one you will experience personally as a suspect! Its primary 'home' is in the news media. Every time a major incident occurs in Japan—whether it is a white-collar financial crime, a cyber-attack, or a street crime—the word 捜査 becomes the centerpiece of the narrative. You will see it in bold headlines on newspapers like the Asahi Shimbun or Yomiuri Shimbun, and you will hear it spoken with gravity by news anchors on NHK. In these contexts, it signifies the state's response to a breach of social order.

TV News and Journalism: Reporters often stand in front of police stations or the locations of raids, using phrases like '捜査のメスが入る' (literally, 'the investigator's scalpel enters,' meaning an investigation has begun into a deep-seated problem).
Entertainment: Anime and Drama: Japan has a massive appetite for detective fiction. Series like 'Detective Conan' (Meitantei Konan) or 'Death Note' use 捜査 constantly. In these shows, the '捜査本部' (Investigation Headquarters) is often the setting for intense strategic planning.

FBIの捜査官が日本に派遣された。
— Translation: An FBI investigator was dispatched to Japan.

Beyond the screen, you might see this word on official police posters. In Japan, it is common to see 'Wanted' posters at train stations or in front of koban (police boxes). These posters often contain text about '捜査への協力' (cooperation with the investigation), asking the public for tips or information regarding specific crimes. This highlights the word's role in the relationship between the citizenry and the law. It is a word that commands respect and indicates a serious, formal process is underway.

このドラマは、警視庁捜査一課の活躍を描いている。
— Translation: This drama depicts the activities of the Metropolitan Police Department's First Investigation Division.

Finally, you will hear it in legal and political discussions. When there is a scandal involving public officials, the question of whether a '捜査' will be launched is a major political talking point. In this sense, the word is tied to accountability and the rule of law. It is not just a police word; it is a word about the integrity of Japanese society. Whether it is a 'G-men' (government investigators) operation or a local precinct's work, 捜査 is the term that defines the pursuit of criminal truth.

彼は捜査の目をかいくぐって逃亡した。
— Translation: He slipped through the eyes of the investigation and fled.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with 捜査 is using it too broadly. Because 'investigation' in English is a catch-all term, learners often try to use 捜査 for situations where it is inappropriate. The golden rule is: if there is no crime, there is probably no 捜査. If you are doing a project for school, searching for information on the internet, or looking into why your computer is slow, you should use 調査 (chousa) instead. Using 捜査 in these contexts sounds like you are calling the police to help you with your homework, which would be very confusing for a native speaker.

Confusing 捜査 (Sousa) and 調査 (Chousa): Sousa is for crimes (homicide, theft). Chousa is for general research (market trends, scientific data). Mistaking these is the #1 error for intermediate learners.
Confusing 捜査 (Sousa) and 捜索 (Sousaku): Sousaku means 'search' but is used for missing people (lost in the woods) or missing property. Sousa is for the legal investigation of a crime. If a child is lost, you start a 捜索. If the child was kidnapped, the police start a 捜査.

（✕）宿題のために捜査をしています。
（〇）宿題のために調査をしています。
— Correction: You 'research' for homework, you don't 'criminally investigate' it.

Another mistake involves the pronunciation and kanji. The first kanji 捜 (sou) is often confused with 操 (sou), which means to manipulate or operate (as in 操縦 - soujuu, to pilot a plane). If you write 操査, it is a non-existent word that might be interpreted as 'manipulating an inspection,' which sounds like corruption! Always remember the 'hand' radical (扌) on the left of 捜, indicating an active search. Additionally, ensure you don't confuse it with 走査 (sousa), which is a technical term meaning 'scanning' (like a radar or a laser scan). While they sound identical, the kanji and context are completely different.

（✕）山で行方不明者を捜査する。
（〇）山で行方不明者を捜索する。
— Correction: Use 'sousaku' for searching for a missing person.

Finally, watch out for the particle usage. While '捜査する' is a verb, the target of the investigation is usually marked with 'を' (the crime/incident) or 'について' (concerning the topic). However, if you are 'cooperating with' the investigation, you must use 'に' (捜査に協力する). Using 'を' here would imply you are helping the investigation itself, which is grammatically awkward. Precision with particles is key to sounding natural when using high-level vocabulary like this.

To truly master 捜査, you need to understand where it sits in the constellation of Japanese 'search' and 'investigate' words. Japanese is a language that loves specificity, especially in formal and technical domains. While English might use 'investigation' for a police probe, a scientific study, and a background check, Japanese has a unique word for each. Choosing the right one is the difference between sounding like a beginner and sounding like a pro.

調査 (Chousa) vs. 捜査 (Sousa): As mentioned, 調査 is the most common alternative. It is used for research, surveys, and general inquiries. If you are 'investigating' a bug in your code or the best price for a flight, use 調査. 捜査 is only for the police 'investigating' a crime.
捜索 (Sousaku) vs. 捜査 (Sousa): 捜索 is specifically 'to search for something or someone that is lost.' This is used for search-and-rescue missions or looking for a lost item. 捜査 is 'to investigate a crime.' If you are looking for a thief, you are 捜査-ing. If you are looking for a lost cat, you are 捜索-ing.
検討 (Kentou) vs. 捜査 (Sousa): 検討 means 'to consider' or 'to look into a possibility.' If a boss says they will 'investigate' your proposal, they would use 検討, not 捜査.

原因を究明するために、専門家が集まった。
— Note: 'Kyuumei' means to investigate to find the root cause or truth of a phenomenon.

Other specialized terms include 吟味 (ginmi), which means to carefully examine or 'investigate' the quality of something (like ingredients for a dish), and 取り調べ (torishirabe), which specifically refers to the interrogation or questioning of a suspect by the police. While 捜査 is the whole process, 取り調べ is just the talking part. Knowing these distinctions allows you to be much more descriptive. For instance, you could say 'The 捜査 (investigation) led to the 取り調べ (interrogation) of the suspect.'

警察は取り調べを通じて、犯行の動機を明らかにした。
— Translation: Through interrogation, the police clarified the motive for the crime.

In academic or high-level writing, you might also see 査察 (sasatsu), which refers to an inspection or audit, often by a regulatory body (like a tax inspection). This is different from a criminal 捜査 because it is often a routine check for compliance rather than a response to a specific crime. By learning these synonyms, you gain a deeper understanding of how the Japanese language categorizes human inquiry and action.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The kanji 捜 (search) contains the 'hand' radical (扌) on the left, which suggests an active, physical search, like moving things with your hands to find something hidden. The right side of the kanji originally depicted a torch, implying searching in the dark.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /səʊ.sə/

US /soʊ.sə/

In Japanese, pitch accent is used rather than stress. 'Sousa' typically has a 'Heiban' (flat) or 'Atamadaka' (head-high) pattern depending on the dialect, but in standard Tokyo Japanese, it is generally flat.

Reimt sich auf

交差 (kousa - intersection) 調査 (chousa - investigation/survey) 走査 (sousa - scanning) 操作 (sousa - operation) 降査 (kousa - falling sand/dust) 公査 (kousa - public inspection) 考査 (kousa - examination/test) 精査 (seisa - scrutiny)

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it as 'sosa' with a short 'o'. It must be 'so-u-sa'.
Confusing the pitch with 'sousa' (operation/manipulation), though they are often identical in pitch.
Over-emphasizing the 'u' sound; it should just lengthen the 'o'.
Misreading the kanji as 'chousa'.
Using an English 'r' sound if trying to say 'sousaku' instead.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

The kanji are N2-level, but the word is very common in media.

Schreiben 4/5

The kanji 捜 and 査 have many strokes and are easy to confuse.

Sprechen 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but usage is formal.

Hören 2/5

Easily recognizable in news and dramas due to high frequency.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

警察 (Police) 事件 (Incident) 探す (To search) 調べる (To check/investigate) 犯人 (Criminal)

Als Nächstes lernen

容疑者 (Suspect) 逮捕 (Arrest) 証拠 (Evidence) 起訴 (Indictment) 裁判 (Trial)

Fortgeschritten

冤罪 (False accusation) 可視化 (Visualization/Recording) 令状 (Warrant) 黙秘権 (Right to remain silent) 公判 (Public trial)

Wichtige Grammatik

Suru-verbs (Group 3)

捜査する (To investigate)

Passive Voice (受身形)

事件が捜査される (The incident is investigated)

Causative Passive (使役受身形)

捜査に協力させられた (Was made to cooperate with the investigation)

Noun + に基づいて (Based on...)

証拠に基づいて捜査する (Investigate based on evidence)

Noun + を通じて (Through...)

捜査を通じて事実を知る (Learn the facts through the investigation)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

警察が捜査をしています。

The police are conducting an investigation.

Uses the basic 'Noun + をしています' structure for an ongoing action.

捜査は大変です。

The investigation is difficult.

A simple 'A is B' structure using the topic marker 'は'.

これは捜査のニュースです。

This is news about an investigation.

Uses the particle 'の' to connect two nouns.

捜査を始めます。

We will start the investigation.

Future/present tense verb '始めます' following the object.

捜査が終わりました。

The investigation has ended.

Past tense verb '終わりました'.

だれが捜査しますか？

Who will investigate?

Question form using 'だれ' and the particle 'が'.

捜査はまだですか？

Is the investigation not done yet?

The word 'まだ' indicates an unfinished state.

捜査を助けてください。

Please help with the investigation.

Request form using '～てください'.

警察は犯人を捜査しています。

The police are investigating (searching for) the criminal.

The object is '犯人' (criminal).

昨日から捜査が始まりました。

The investigation started yesterday.

Uses 'から' to indicate the starting time.

捜査官がここに来ました。

An investigator came here.

Compound noun '捜査官' (investigator).

事件の捜査は難しいです。

Investigating the incident is difficult.

Noun phrase '事件の捜査' as the subject.

テレビで捜査の様子を見ました。

I saw the state of the investigation on TV.

'様子' (yousu) means appearance or state.

捜査に協力してください。

Please cooperate with the investigation.

The particle 'に' is used with the verb '協力する'.

どこで捜査をしていますか？

Where are they conducting the investigation?

Question word 'どこ' with the location particle 'で'.

捜査はもうすぐ終わります。

The investigation will end soon.

'もうすぐ' means soon.

警察は新しい証拠に基づいて捜査を進めています。

The police are proceeding with the investigation based on new evidence.

The phrase '～に基づいて' means 'based on'.

彼は捜査のために警察署に呼ばれた。

He was called to the police station for the investigation.

Passive voice '呼ばれた' (was called).

捜査の結果、犯人が逮捕されました。

As a result of the investigation, the criminal was arrested.

'～の結果' means 'as a result of'.

この事件の捜査には時間がかかりそうです。

It seems like the investigation of this case will take time.

'～そうです' indicates an appearance or likelihood.

政府は不正な取引について捜査を命じた。

The government ordered an investigation into illegal transactions.

The verb '命じる' (to order) is formal.

捜査網を広げて犯人を追い詰める。

Expand the investigative net and corner the criminal.

'捜査網' (sousamou) is a common metaphorical compound.

住民は捜査の進展を静かに見守っている。

The residents are quietly watching the progress of the investigation.

'見守る' (mimamoru) means to watch over or monitor.

捜査令状がないと家には入れません。

You cannot enter the house without a search warrant.

'捜査令状' (sousa reijou) is a search warrant.

当局は、組織的な犯罪の疑いで強制捜査に踏み切った。

Authorities took the step of a compulsory investigation on suspicion of organized crime.

'～に踏み切る' means to take a bold step or make a decision.

捜査の秘密を守るために、詳細は公表されなかった。

To protect the secrecy of the investigation, details were not made public.

'～ために' indicates purpose.

目撃者の証言が、捜査の大きな手がかりとなった。

The witness's testimony became a major lead in the investigation.

'手がかり' (tegakari) means a clue or lead.

捜査の過程で、別の事件との関連が浮上した。

In the course of the investigation, a connection to another case surfaced.

'浮上する' (fujou suru) means to surface or emerge.

弁護士は、警察の捜査方法が不適切だと主張した。

The lawyer argued that the police's investigative methods were inappropriate.

'主張する' (shujou suru) means to argue or claim.

国際的な捜査協力のおかげで、犯人は海外で捕まった。

Thanks to international investigative cooperation, the criminal was caught abroad.

'～のおかげで' means 'thanks to'.

捜査当局は、容疑者のアリバイを慎重に調べている。

Investigative authorities are carefully examining the suspect's alibi.

'慎重に' (shinchou ni) means carefully or cautiously.

科学捜査研究所、通称「科捜研」が現場を分析した。

The Scientific Investigation Research Institute, commonly known as 'Kasoken,' analyzed the scene.

'通称' (tsuushou) means 'commonly known as'.

捜査の適正さを確保するために、取り調べの可視化が求められている。

To ensure the appropriateness of investigations, visualization of interrogations is being demanded.

'可視化' (kashika) refers to making something visible (recording).

検察は、証拠隠滅の恐れがあるとして強制捜査を開始した。

The prosecution launched a compulsory investigation, citing the risk of evidence destruction.

'～として' indicates a reason or capacity.

捜査のメスが、政界の長年の癒着に切り込んだ。

The investigation's scalpel cut into the long-standing collusion in the political world.

Metaphorical use of 'メス' (scalpel) and '切り込む' (to cut into).

捜査手法の是非を巡って、法曹界で激しい議論が交わされた。

Heated debates were exchanged in the legal circles regarding the pros and cons of the investigative methods.

'～を巡って' means 'concerning' or 'around' a topic.

デジタルフォレンジックは、現代の捜査において不可欠な要素だ。

Digital forensics is an indispensable element in modern investigations.

'不可欠' (fukaketsu) means indispensable.

捜査の行き詰まりを打開するため、新たな方針が打ち出された。

To break the deadlock in the investigation, a new policy was announced.

'行き詰まり' (ikizumari) means a dead end or deadlock.

冤罪を防ぐためには、捜査段階での客観的な証拠収集が重要である。

To prevent false accusations, objective evidence collection at the investigative stage is important.

'冤罪' (enzai) means a false accusation or frame-up.

捜査本部は、広域にわたる連続窃盗事件の全容解明を急いでいる。

The investigation headquarters is hurrying to clarify the full details of the series of thefts spanning a wide area.

'全容解明' (zen-you kaimei) means clarifying the whole picture.

刑事訴訟法における捜査の定義は、公訴の提起及び維持を目的とするものである。

The definition of investigation in the Code of Criminal Procedure is for the purpose of initiating and maintaining public prosecution.

Highly formal legal Japanese using '及び' (and).

捜査機関による権力の行使は、法の支配の下で厳格に制約されなければならない。

The exercise of power by investigative agencies must be strictly constrained under the rule of law.

'法の支配' (hou no shihai) is the rule of law.

プライバシーの権利と捜査の必要性の均衡をどう保つかが、現代の課題である。

How to maintain the balance between the right to privacy and the necessity of investigation is a modern challenge.

'均衡' (kinkou) means balance or equilibrium.

恣意的な捜査を排除するための制度的担保が、司法制度には不可欠である。

Institutional safeguards to eliminate arbitrary investigations are indispensable to the judicial system.

'恣意的' (shii-teki) means arbitrary.

捜査の端緒となったのは、匿名の通報による不審な情報の提供であった。

The beginning (trigger) of the investigation was the provision of suspicious information via an anonymous tip.

'端緒' (tansho) means the beginning, clue, or start of something.

捜査の密行性が、被疑者の防御権を侵害する可能性について検討が必要だ。

It is necessary to examine the possibility that the secrecy of investigations may infringe upon the suspect's right to defense.

'密行性' (mikkousei) refers to the secret nature of an action.

サイバー空間における捜査は、国境の壁という新たな障壁に直面している。

Investigation in cyberspace is facing new barriers in the form of national borders.

'障壁' (shouheki) means a barrier or hurdle.

捜査における「自白の偏重」がもたらす弊害は、歴史が証明している。

History has proven the harmful effects brought about by the 'over-emphasis on confessions' in investigations.

'偏重' (henjuu) means over-emphasis or giving too much importance to something.

Synonyme

調査捜索取り調べ追求糾明検挙

Gegenteile

放置隠蔽黙認

Häufige Kollokationen

捜査を開始する

捜査に協力する

捜査を進める

捜査のメスを入れる

捜査網を敷く

捜査令状を取る

捜査が難航する

捜査を打ち切る

科学捜査

強制捜査

Häufige Phrasen

捜査一課

— The First Investigation Division, usually handling violent crimes like murder.

彼は捜査一課の刑事だ。

捜査本部

— The temporary headquarters set up for a specific major investigation.

警察署内に捜査本部が設置された。

捜査当局

— The investigative authorities (police and prosecutors).

捜査当局は慎重に調べている。

捜査官

— An investigator or detective.

有能な捜査官が派遣された。

秘密捜査

— An undercover or secret investigation.

秘密捜査によって証拠を掴んだ。

特別捜査

— A special investigation, often for high-profile or complex cases.

特捜部が汚職事件を調べている。

聞き込み捜査

— A door-to-door investigation or asking around for information.

足を使った聞き込み捜査を行う。

公開捜査

— A public investigation where information is sought from the general public.

指名手配犯の公開捜査が始まった。

継続捜査

— A continued or ongoing investigation.

未解決事件の継続捜査を行う。

合同捜査

— A joint investigation involving multiple agencies or precincts.

二つの県が合同捜査を行う。

Wird oft verwechselt mit

捜査 vs 調査 (chousa)

Chousa is for general research or surveys. Sousa is only for criminal investigations.

捜査 vs 捜索 (sousaku)

Sousaku is for searching for missing people or items. Sousa is for investigating a crime.

捜査 vs 操作 (sousa)

Sounds identical but means 'operation' or 'manipulation' (e.g., operating a machine).

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"捜査のメスを入れる"

— To launch a deep investigation into a corrupt or hidden problem, like a surgeon using a scalpel.

検察が政界の闇に捜査のメスを入れた。

Journalistic

"捜査の目をかいくぐる"

— To evade or slip through the eyes of the investigation.

犯人は捜査の目をかいくぐって逃走した。

Literary/Journalistic

"捜査の網にかかる"

— To be caught in the investigative net.

ついに犯人が捜査の網にかかった。

Common

"捜査が暗礁に乗り上げる"

— To hit a deadlock or run aground (like a ship hitting a reef).

有力な手がかりがなく、捜査が暗礁に乗り上げた。

Journalistic

"捜査の手が伸びる"

— The hand of the investigation is reaching out (approaching the suspect).

ついに彼の元にも捜査の手が伸びた。

Dramatic

"捜査を攪乱する"

— To disrupt or confuse the investigation.

偽の情報を流して捜査を攪乱した。

Formal

"捜査の矛先を向ける"

— To point the spearhead of the investigation (target someone).

警察は彼に捜査の矛先を向けた。

Journalistic

"捜査の進展を待つ"

— To wait for progress in the investigation.

今はただ捜査の進展を待つしかない。

Neutral

"捜査の核心に迫る"

— To approach the core of the investigation.

新証拠が捜査の核心に迫る鍵となった。

Journalistic

"捜査の目を光らせる"

— To keep a sharp, watchful eye on an investigation.

当局は不正がないか捜査の目を光らせている。

Formal

Leicht verwechselbar

捜査 vs 操作 (そうさ - sousa)

Identical pronunciation.

操作 means to operate a machine or manipulate data. 捜査 means to investigate a crime. You 'sousa' (operate) a remote control, but the police 'sousa' (investigate) a theft.

リモコンを操作する (Operate the remote).

捜査 vs 走査 (そうさ - sousa)

Identical pronunciation.

走査 is a technical term for scanning (like a TV screen or radar). It is rarely used in daily life compared to criminal investigation.

画像を走査する (Scan an image).

捜査 vs 捜索 (そうさく - sousaku)

Similar kanji and meaning.

Sousaku is 'looking for' someone/something lost. Sousa is 'investigating' a crime. If you lose your child at the mall, the police help with a 'sousaku'. If your child is kidnapped, they start a 'sousa'.

山での捜索 (Search in the mountains).

捜査 vs 精査 (せいさ - seisa)

Contains the same second kanji '査'.

Seisa means 'scrutiny' or 'careful examination' of documents or data. It doesn't imply a crime, just extreme attention to detail.

書類を精査する (Scrutinize the documents).

捜査 vs 考査 (こうさ - kousa)

Contains the same second kanji '査'.

Kousa means an examination or a test, often in a school or academic setting.

学期末考査 (End-of-term examination).

Satzmuster

警察が [Noun] を捜査します。

警察が事件を捜査します。

[Time] から捜査が始まりました。

昨日から捜査が始まりました。

[Noun] に基づいて捜査を進める。

証拠に基づいて捜査を進める。

捜査の過程で [Noun] が判明した。

捜査の過程で真実が判明した。

捜査の適正さを巡って議論される。

捜査の密行性と防御権の均衡。

捜査の密行性と防御権の均衡を図る。

捜査に協力する。

彼は捜査に協力した。

強制捜査に踏み切る。

検察は強制捜査に踏み切った。

Wortfamilie

Substantive

捜査官 (investigator)

捜査網 (investigative net)

捜査令状 (search warrant)

捜査本部 (investigation headquarters)

科学捜査 (forensic investigation)

Verben

捜査する (to investigate)

捜査し続ける (to continue investigating)

捜査し直す (to re-investigate)

Verwandt

警察 (police)

事件 (incident/crime)

証拠 (evidence)

犯人 (criminal)

逮捕 (arrest)

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely common in news, crime fiction, and legal contexts. Rare in casual social talk.

Häufige Fehler

Using 捜査 for scientific research. → 調査 (chousa) or 研究 (kenkyuu).
捜査 is strictly for criminal investigations. Scientific research uses words that mean 'study' or 'survey.'
Using 捜査 for finding a lost dog. → 捜索 (sousaku).
Searching for a lost living being (without a crime involved) is called 'sousaku.'
Writing 操査 instead of 捜査. → 捜査.
The first kanji must have the 'hand' radical and the 'search' component, not the 'operate' component.
Saying '捜査を協力する'. → 捜査に協力する.
The verb 'kyouryoku suru' (to cooperate) always takes the particle 'ni' for the thing you are cooperating with.
Using 捜査 casually for 'looking into' a small problem. → 調べる (shiraberu).
For small, non-legal matters like 'looking into why the oven is broken,' use the simple verb 'shiraberu.'

Tipps

Police Only

Always associate 'sousa' with the police. If there is no police officer involved, you are probably using the wrong word. Stick to 'chousa' for non-criminal situations.

The Hand Radical

The left side of 捜 is 扌 (hand). This helps you remember that an investigation is an active, 'hands-on' process of searching for clues.

Particle 'Ni'

When you want to say 'cooperate with the investigation,' use the particle 'ni': 捜査に協力する. Using 'o' would be grammatically incorrect in this specific context.

Long Vowel

Make sure to hold the 'sou' sound for two beats. Sō-sa. If you say it too short, it sounds like 'sosa,' which might confuse listeners.

News Keywords

In news reports, listen for 'sousa' followed by 'honbu' (headquarters). This usually means a major crime has occurred and a special team has been formed.

Formal Reports

If you are writing a formal report, use '捜査を実施する' (to carry out an investigation) instead of just '捜査する' to sound more professional.

Drama Lingo

If you watch detective anime, 'sousa' is one of the top 10 most important words to know. It appears in almost every episode of Detective Conan.

Compound Words

Learn 'sousa' as part of a family. 'Sousakan' (investigator) and 'sousamou' (investigative net) are very common and useful compounds.

Truth Finding

Remember that 'sousa' isn't just about looking; it's about uncovering the truth of a crime. It has a sense of 'justice' attached to it.

Don't Operatize

Don't confuse 'sousa' (investigation) with 'sousa' (operation). If you are talking about using a phone, use the 'operation' kanji (操作).

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'SOU-sa' as 'SOU' (So) many 'SA' (Searches). When a crime happens, the police do 'so many searches' to find the truth.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass (査 - inspection) actively moving boxes with their hands (捜 - search radical) to find a hidden clue.

Word Web

警察 (Police) 犯人 (Criminal) 証拠 (Evidence) 事件 (Incident) 逮捕 (Arrest) 令状 (Warrant) 現場 (Scene) 検察 (Prosecution)

Herausforderung

Try to find three news headlines today that include the word '捜査'. Note what kind of crime they are investigating.

Wortherkunft

The word '捜査' comes from the combination of two kanji characters that have been used in Japanese for centuries. The first character, 捜 (sou), originates from Chinese and means 'to search' or 'to seek.' The second character, 査 (sa), means 'to examine' or 'to inspect.' The combination specifically as a legal term for police work became standardized in the late 19th century during the Meiji Restoration when Japan modernized its legal and police systems based on Western models.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To search and inspect.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using this word around someone who might have legal troubles, as it is a very heavy and serious term.

In English, 'investigation' is used for science and police work. In Japanese, 'sousa' is only for police work. This reflects a linguistic preference for situational specificity.

Detective Conan (Meitantei Konan) - Frequent mentions of 'Sousa'. Aibo (Partners) - A long-running Japanese police drama. Death Note - The 'Kira Investigation' is central to the plot.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

News Broadcasts

捜査が進展しました
捜査本部が設置されました
強制捜査が行われました
捜査の行方が注目されています

Detective Dramas

捜査一課のものです
捜査に口出しするな
地道な捜査が実を結んだ
捜査を攪乱するつもりか

Legal Discussions

捜査の適正化
捜査権の濫用
任意捜査の限界
科学捜査の導入

Newspapers

捜査のメス
捜査網をすり抜ける
捜査を継続
捜査当局の発表

Daily Conversation (Rare)

捜査ドラマが好きです
ニュースで捜査のことを聞いた
警察が捜査していたよ
捜査に協力したくない

Gesprächseinstiege

"最近のあの事件、捜査はどこまで進んでいるんでしょうか？ (How far has the investigation into that recent incident progressed?)"

"日本の警察ドラマといえば、どの捜査ドラマがおすすめですか？ (When it comes to Japanese police dramas, which investigation drama do you recommend?)"

"科学捜査って、本当にドラマみたいにすごいんですかね？ (I wonder if forensic investigation is really as amazing as it is in dramas?)"

"捜査一課って、実際にはどんな仕事をしているんですか？ (What kind of work does the First Investigation Division actually do?)"

"ニュースで「強制捜査」ってよく聞きますが、どういう意味ですか？ (I often hear 'compulsory investigation' on the news, but what does it mean?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

もしあなたが捜査官だったら、どんな事件を解決したいですか？ (If you were an investigator, what kind of case would you want to solve?)

最近ニュースで見た捜査について、自分の意見を書いてみましょう。 (Write your opinion about an investigation you saw in the news recently.)

「捜査」と「調査」の違いについて、例文を使って説明してください。 (Explain the difference between 'sousa' and 'chousa' using example sentences.)

好きな刑事ドラマやアニメの捜査シーンについて詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about an investigation scene from your favorite detective drama or anime.)

捜査におけるプライバシーの保護について、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about the protection of privacy during an investigation?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, that would sound very strange. For lost keys, use 'sagasu' (to look for) or 'sousaku' (if you want to sound very formal). 'Sousa' is strictly for criminal investigations by the police. Using it for keys makes it sound like your keys committed a crime!

This is the most common question. 'Sousa' is for crimes (police work). 'Chousa' is for everything else: market research, scientific studies, surveys, or checking facts. If you aren't sure, 'chousa' is usually the safer, broader word, while 'sousa' is the specialized legal one.

It is both! It is a 'Suru-verb.' As a noun, it means 'investigation' (e.g., 捜査が進む). To use it as a verb, you add 'suru' (e.g., 事件を捜査する). This is a very common pattern for words made of two kanji.

A private investigator is usually called a 'tantei' (探偵). While they do 'investigate,' the word 'sousa' is specifically for the official police. A 'tantei' performs 'chousa' or 'tantei-gyoumu' (detective work).

It means 'First Investigation Division.' In the Japanese police system, this division is famous for handling high-profile violent crimes like murder and robbery. It is a very prestigious and tough job, often depicted in movies.

They are homophones (words that sound the same). 'Sousa' (捜査 - investigation) and 'Sousa' (操作 - operation) are pronounced identically. You have to use the context and the kanji to tell them apart. If you're talking about a computer, it's 'operation.' If you're talking about the police, it's 'investigation.'

No. For scientific research, you would use 'kenkyuu' (research) or 'chousa' (investigation/survey). 'Sousa' is strictly for legal and criminal contexts.

Usually, no. For internal audits or checks, 'chousa' or 'sasatsu' (inspection) is better. However, if the company is investigating a criminal act (like embezzlement) and the police are involved, then 'sousa' is appropriate.

It is called a 'sousa reijou' (捜査令状). 'Reijou' means warrant. This is a crucial term in legal dramas when the police want to enter someone's house.

You will hear it every day if you watch the news or read newspapers. However, you will rarely use it in casual conversation with friends unless you are discussing a movie or a news story. It is a 'high-frequency formal' word.

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