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A2 noun #18,000 le plus courant 12 min de lecture

史料

shiryou

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 史料 en 30 secondes

Explication 史料 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '史料' (shiryō) very often, but it is helpful to recognize it if you like history. The word is made of two parts: '史' which means history, and '料' which means material or ingredient. Think of it like the 'ingredients for history.' Just as you need flour and eggs to make a cake, historians need '史料' like old letters and maps to make a history book. At this level, just remember that if you see this word in a museum, it means 'historical things' or 'old documents.' It is pronounced exactly like the word for 'handouts' (資料), so be careful! If you are at a museum, it's 'history material.' If you are at school or work, it's usually 'handouts.' You can simply say 'historical documents' in English to remember it. Even though it is a difficult word, seeing the '史' (history) character helps you know it's about the past. You might see it on a sign that says '史料館' (Shiryō-kan), which is a small history museum. If you visit Japan and see that sign, you know you can go inside to see old things from that city's past. It's a very formal word, so you won't use it with your friends when talking about a movie, but you will see it in books and on TV programs about the samurai or ancient Japan.

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At the A2 level, you should start to distinguish between different types of 'materials.' You probably already know '資料' (shiryō) for school handouts or data. Now, you are learning '史料' (shiryō), which is specifically for history. The difference is only in the first kanji. While '資料' is for any kind of information, '史料' is the evidence that historians use to study the past. For example, if you find an old diary from 100 years ago in your grandmother's house, that is a '史料.' You can use it in simple sentences like 'I found an important historical document' (貴重な史料を見つけました - Kichō na shiryō o mitsukemashita). You will often see this word in Japanese news when a new discovery is made, like a letter written by a famous shogun. It is a noun, so you can use it with 'あります' (there is) or '見ます' (look at). You might also hear it in documentaries. When the narrator says 'According to the historical materials...' (史料によると... - Shiryō ni yoru to...), they are explaining the proof for what they are saying. It's a great word to use if you want to sound a bit more academic when talking about your interests in Japanese history. Just remember that it usually refers to written things like books, letters, and records, rather than just 'old stuff' like broken pots (which are usually called 'ibutsu').

At the B1 level, you can begin to use '史料' (shiryō) in more complex discussions about research and evidence. You should be aware that '史料' is the foundation of the study of history. In B1 level Japanese, you might discuss your hobbies or studies, and if you are interested in history, this word is essential. You can use it with verbs like '分析する' (bunseki suru - to analyze) or '調査する' (chōsa suru - to investigate). For instance, 'I am analyzing historical materials to write my report' (レポートを書くために史料を分析しています). You will also encounter the term '一次史料' (ichiji shiryō), which means primary sources. These are the most important materials because they were written at the time the events happened. Being able to distinguish between 'primary sources' and 'secondary sources' (二次史料) is a key skill at this level. You should also be comfortable seeing this word in formal contexts, such as museum descriptions or academic articles. The word carries a nuance of 'evidence' and 'authenticity.' When someone says something is a 'shiryō,' they are implying it has some value for understanding the past. You might also notice it in the names of archives or research institutes. If you are writing an essay about a historical figure, using '史料' instead of just '本' (book) or 'データ' (data) will make your Japanese sound much more precise and sophisticated.

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At the B2 level, you should understand the academic implications of '史料' (shiryō) and how it fits into the broader field of historiography. This word isn't just about 'old papers'; it's about the methodology of history. You will likely encounter the term '史料批判' (shiryō hihan), which means historical criticism or source criticism. This is the process historians use to verify if a piece of '史料' is genuine or a forgery, and to identify any biases the author might have had. At this level, you should be able to read and discuss articles that debate the validity of certain '史料.' For example, you might read about how a newly discovered letter (史料) has changed the way people think about the Meiji Restoration. You can use the word in sentences like 'The credibility of the historical material is being questioned' (その史料の信憑性が疑われている). You should also be aware of related terms like '文献' (bunken - literature/documents) and '古文書' (komonjo - ancient documents), and know when to choose '史料' over them. '史料' is the most inclusive term for anything used as historical evidence. In professional or academic writing, you will use this word to cite your sources. It's also worth noting that '史料' can be used as a compound in words like '史料館' (archives/museum) or '史料集' (collection of historical materials). Your ability to use this word correctly shows that you understand the formal register of Japanese academic discourse.

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At the C1 level, your mastery of '史料' (shiryō) should include an understanding of its philosophical and methodological role in the construction of history. You should be able to discuss the 'shiryō-gaku' (史料学 - science of historical materials) and the challenges of 'shiryō hensan' (史料編纂 - the compilation of historical records). At this level, you are not just looking at the materials; you are looking at the *system* of how these materials are preserved, categorized, and interpreted. You might engage in high-level debates about 'silences in the archives,' where certain '史料' were destroyed or never created, and how that affects our understanding of marginalized groups. You should be able to use nuanced expressions like '史料を博捜する' (bakusō suru - to search extensively for historical materials) or '史料の空白を埋める' (kūhaku o umeru - to fill the gaps in historical records). You will encounter this word in dense academic papers, legal documents concerning cultural heritage, and high-level historiographical critiques. You should also be aware of the digital transition in the field, such as 'デジタル史料学' (digital historiography) and the ethical implications of digitizing sensitive '史料.' Your usage of the word should reflect a deep respect for the complexity of historical truth and the rigorous process required to extract that truth from fragmentary evidence. In a professional setting, such as working in a museum or university in Japan, you would use this word daily to refer to the core objects of your professional focus.

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At the C2 level, '史料' (shiryō) is a word you use with total precision within the framework of advanced historiographical theory. You understand that '史料' is not a neutral object but a 'text' that must be deconstructed. You can speak eloquently about the 'ontology of the historical material' and the relationship between '史料' and the 'narrative' (物語). You are likely familiar with the major collections of '史料' in Japan, such as those held by the National Archives (国立公文書館) or the Historiographical Institute of the University of Tokyo. You can discuss the evolution of '史料' from physical scrolls to digital data and the implications for the 'authenticity' of the historical record in the age of deepfakes and digital manipulation. At this level, you might even be involved in the '史料批判' (source criticism) of primary texts yourself, identifying linguistic archaisms or inconsistencies that suggest a later interpolation. You use the word in the most formal and abstract contexts, perhaps debating the 'limitations of the shiryō-based approach' in favor of more interdisciplinary methods. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of a native Japanese scholar. You understand the weight of the word '史料' as the 'sacred' evidence of the human journey, and you use it to navigate the most complex discussions about memory, identity, and the objective reality of the past.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

史料 en 30 secondes

史料 (shiryō) refers specifically to historical materials and documents used as evidence in academic research and museum contexts to understand the past.
It is a homophone of 資料 (shiryō - general data), but the first kanji 史 (history) limits its use strictly to historical evidence.
Commonly used with verbs like 'discover' (発見), 'analyze' (分析), and 'preserve' (保存) in formal, educational, or media settings like documentaries.
Essential for distinguishing between primary sources (created at the time) and secondary sources (written later) in the field of historiography.

The Japanese word 史料 (しりょう - shiryō) is a specialized noun that refers specifically to historical materials. While the English word 'materials' can be quite broad, in Japanese, the addition of the kanji 史 (history) restricts this word to the realm of historiography, archaeology, and academic research. It encompasses everything from ancient scrolls and official government records to personal diaries, letters, and even physical artifacts that provide evidence of the past. When you use this word, you are signaling that the documents or items in question are being treated as evidence for understanding a specific historical period or event.

Academic Context: In a university setting, a professor might ask students to examine primary 史料 to understand the Edo period's economic policies. It implies a rigorous level of scrutiny and authentication.
Archival Context: Libraries and museums use this term to categorize their collections. A 'Historical Materials Room' is typically called a 史料室 (shiryō-shitsu).
Legal and Formal Context: When proving land ownership or lineage dating back centuries, old family records are presented as 史料 in legal or genealogical research.

この博物館には、戦国時代の貴重な史料が数多く展示されている。
(Kono hakubutsukan ni wa, Sengoku jidai no kichō na shiryō ga kazuōku tenji saretieru.)
This museum exhibits many precious historical materials from the Warring States period.

One of the most important aspects of 史料 is the concept of shiryō-hishan (史料批判), or historical criticism. This is the process of determining whether a document is authentic or a later forgery. Because history is often written by the victors, historians must look at multiple pieces of 史料 to find the objective truth. This word is rarely used for modern business documents or casual notes unless they are being viewed through the lens of how future generations will study our current era.

新しい史料の発見により、その定説が覆された。
(Atarashii shiryō no hakken ni yori, sono teisetsu ga kutsugaesareta.)
With the discovery of new historical materials, the established theory was overturned.

Primary Sources (一次史料): Documents created at the time of the event, such as a general's command or a merchant's ledger.
Secondary Sources (二次史料): Materials written after the fact, like a biography written 100 years later or a compiled history book.

In summary, 史料 is a word that carries the weight of time. It suggests that the item is not just a piece of paper, but a window into a different age. When you use this word, you are speaking as someone who respects the past and understands the importance of evidence in reconstructing the story of humanity.

彼は生涯をかけて、地方の古文書や史料を収集した。
(Kare wa shōgai o kakete, chihō no komonjo ya shiryō o shūshū shita.)
He spent his whole life collecting old documents and historical materials from the countryside.

Using 史料 (shiryō) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the specific verbs that often accompany it. Because it refers to evidence, it is frequently the object of verbs like 'discover,' 'analyze,' 'preserve,' or 'interpret.' Here, we will explore the various ways to integrate this word into your Japanese speech and writing, particularly in formal or academic settings.

With the verb 'to find' (発見する): This is common in news reports. 'A new historical document was found in an old temple' would use 史料が見つかった or 史料を発見した.
With the verb 'to examine' (検討する / 調査する): Historians 'examine' materials to draw conclusions. 史料を詳細に調査する (Investigate historical materials in detail).

この論文は、当時の日記という一次史料に基づいている。
(Kono ronbun wa, tōji no nikki to iu ichiji shiryō ni motozuite iru.)
This thesis is based on primary historical materials, namely diaries from that time.

When describing the quality of the materials, common adjectives include 貴重な (kichō na - precious), 膨大な (bōdai na - vast/massive), or 信憑性の高い (shinpkyō-sei no takai - highly reliable). If you are talking about the lack of evidence, you might say 史料が乏しい (shiryō ga toboshii - historical materials are scarce).

幕府が残した公式な史料を読み解くのは難しい。
(Bakufu ga nokoshita kōshiki na shiryō o yomitoku no wa muzukashii.)
It is difficult to decipher the official historical records left by the Shogunate.

Another important usage is in the compound 史料編纂 (shiryō hensan), which means the compilation of historical materials. This is a major governmental and academic task in Japan, led by institutions like the University of Tokyo's Historiographical Institute. You might hear this in a documentary about how Japan's history was officially recorded.

Describing scarcity: 古代史は、文字による史料が極めて少ない。(Ancient history has extremely few written historical materials.)
Describing preservation: デジタル化によって、史料の保存と公開が進んでいる。(Digitalization is advancing the preservation and public release of historical materials.)

Finally, remember that 史料 is almost always a mass noun or collective noun in English translation ('materials'), but in Japanese, it functions as a standard noun. You can count them using units like 'ten' (点 - items) if necessary, such as 史料三点 (three items of historical material).

地元の図書館には、この地域の歴史に関する史料が保管されています。
(Jimoto no toshokan ni wa, kono chiiki no rekishi ni kansuru shiryō ga hokan sarete imasu.)
Historical materials regarding the history of this region are stored in the local library.

While 史料 (shiryō) might not come up in a casual conversation about what you had for lunch, it is a staple of Japanese intellectual and cultural life. You will encounter it frequently in media that deals with Japan's long and complex history. Understanding where you'll hear it will help you recognize the context of the discussion immediately.

NHK Documentaries and Taiga Dramas: Whenever NHK produces a historical documentary (like 'Rekishi Hiwa Historia'), the narrator will often mention the 史料 used to reconstruct the scenes. In the behind-the-scenes specials for Taiga dramas, historians explain how they used 史料 to design the costumes or sets.
Museum Audio Guides: If you visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum or the Kyoto National Museum, the audio guide will repeatedly use the word 史料 to describe the scrolls, maps, and letters on display.

「最近見つかった史料によると、織田信長の性格は従来言われていたものとは違ったようです。」
(Saikin mitsukatta shiryō ni yoru to, Oda Nobunaga no seikaku wa jūrai iwarete ita mono to wa chigatta yō desu.)
'According to recently discovered historical materials, Oda Nobunaga's personality seems to have been different from what was previously said.'

In universities, students of Japanese history (日本史学科) spend a significant amount of time in 'Shiryō-gaku' (史料学) classes, which is the study of historical materials themselves. They learn how to read 'Kuzushiji' (cursive script) and how to handle fragile papers. If you hang out near a history department, you'll hear this word constantly.

この番組では、貴重な映像史料を交えて、昭和の激動を振り返ります。
(Kono bangumi de wa, kichō na eizō shiryō o majiete, Shōwa no gekidō o furikaerimasu.)
In this program, we will look back at the upheaval of the Shōwa era, incorporating precious film historical records.

Another place you'll find this word is in the names of buildings. A 史料館 (Shiryō-kan) is a small museum or archive center, often dedicated to a specific town, family, or company's history. For example, many long-standing Japanese companies like Mitsubishi or Nintendo have their own 史料館 to preserve their corporate heritage.

News Reports: When a private citizen donates a box of old letters to a city, the news will report it as 'Valuable historical materials donated to the city' (貴重な史料が市に寄贈された).
Book Reviews: Reviewers might praise a historical novel for its 'thorough use of historical materials' (徹底した史料の活用).

In essence, 史料 is the word that bridges the gap between the present and the past. It's the physical evidence that makes history more than just a story. When you hear it, expect a discussion about facts, evidence, and the tangible remains of our ancestors' lives.

古本屋で、思いがけず幕末の史料を手に入れた。
(Furuhon'ya de, omoigakezu Bakumatsu no shiryō o te ni ireta.)
I unexpectedly obtained historical materials from the end of the Edo period at a used bookstore.

The most common pitfall when using 史料 (shiryō) is its homophone, 資料 (shiryō). Because they sound exactly the same, learners (and sometimes native speakers) often confuse them in writing. However, their meanings are quite distinct and using the wrong kanji can make your writing look unprofessional or confusing.

Confusion with 資料 (Shiryō): 資料 is the general word for 'data,' 'materials,' or 'handouts.' If you are in a meeting and say 'Please look at the historical materials' (史料を見てください) when you mean the meeting handouts, people will be very confused! Always use 資料 for contemporary reference materials.
Confusion with 試料 (Shiryō): In scientific contexts, 試料 refers to a 'sample' or 'specimen' (like a blood sample or a rock sample for testing). While a historical artifact might be a 'sample' for carbon dating, the word 史料 is preferred when discussing its historical significance.

❌ 会議の史料をコピーしてください。
(Kaigi no shiryō o kopī shite kudasai.)
⚠️ This sounds like you want to photocopy ancient historical documents for a modern meeting!
✅ 会議の資料をコピーしてください。
(Kaigi no shiryō o kopī shite kudasai.)
✨ This is the correct way to ask for meeting handouts.

Another mistake is using 史料 for things that aren't actually 'materials.' For example, a legend or a myth passed down orally is usually called 伝承 (denshō) or 口伝 (kuden). While these are 'sources' of history, 史料 almost always implies a tangible record, usually written. If you are talking about a physical ruin, 遺跡 (iseki) is more appropriate.

Overusing the word is also a subtle mistake. In casual conversation, people might just say 昔の手紙 (mukashi no tegami - old letters) or 古い記録 (furui kiroku - old records). Using 史料 in a very casual setting can sound a bit overly academic or 'stiff.' Save it for when you are discussing history as a subject of study or preservation.

Incorrect Kanji for 'History': Sometimes people write 支料 or 使料 by mistake. Remember that 史 is the character for 'history' (as in 歴史 - rekishi). It depicts a hand holding a container of records.
Misunderstanding 'Primary' vs 'Secondary': Calling a modern history book an 'ichiji shiryō' (primary material) is a factual error. A modern book is a 'niji shiryō' (secondary material) or simply a 'sankō bunken' (reference literature).

Finally, be careful with the pronunciation. It's a long 'o' at the end (shiryō). If you shorten it to 'shiryo,' it might sound like 'consideration' (思慮 - shiryo), though the pitch accent is different. Clear articulation of the long vowel is key.

歴史の研究には、客観的な史料の分析が不可欠だ。
(Rekishi no kenkyū ni wa, kyakkan-teki na shiryō no bunseki ga fukatsu da.)
For historical research, an objective analysis of historical materials is indispensable.

While 史料 (shiryō) is the standard academic term for historical materials, there are several other words that overlap in meaning. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about a book, a physical object, or a general record of events.

文献 (Bunken): This refers specifically to 'literature' or 'written documents.' While 史料 can include artifacts, 文献 is strictly about what is written. If you are doing a 'literature review' for a paper, you are looking at 文献.
古文書 (Komonjo): This literally means 'old documents.' It specifically refers to papers, letters, and scrolls from the pre-modern era. All 古文書 are 史料, but not all 史料 (like a 20th-century film) are 古文書.
記録 (Kiroku): This means 'record.' It is a broader term that can apply to a sports record, a medical record, or a historical record. It emphasizes the act of having written something down to remember it.

彼は図書館で古い文献を漁っている。
(Kare wa toshokan de furui bunken o asatte iru.)
He is scrounging through old literature in the library.

If you are talking about the physical evidence of people's lives from the past, you might use 遺物 (ibutsu - artifacts) or 遺構 (ikō - structural remains). These are the bread and butter of archaeology. 史料 tends to be the bread and butter of historians who work with texts.

この古文書は、村の境界争いを記録した貴重な史料だ。
(Kono komonjo wa, mura no kyōkai arasoi o kiroku shita kichō na shiryō da.)
This old document is a precious historical material that recorded a dispute over village boundaries.

For general 'materials' in a non-historical sense, as mentioned before, 資料 is the most common word. For 'raw materials' used in manufacturing (like wood or iron), use 原料 (genryō) or 材料 (zairyō). It's fascinating how Japanese has so many words for 'material' depending on the field!

アーカイブ (Archive): The English loanword 'Archive' is increasingly common in Japan, especially for digital collections. It often refers to the collection as a whole rather than a specific piece of evidence.
ソース (Source): Used mainly in journalism or casual research (like Wikipedia), 'source' refers to where information came from. In academic history, 史料 is much more formal.

Understanding these nuances allows you to be more precise. If you are writing a formal paper about the Sengoku period, use 史料. If you are talking about the books you read for a hobby project, 文献 might be better. If you found your great-grandfather's diary in the attic, you've found a piece of 古文書 that serves as a 史料 for your family history.

歴史学者は、多種多様な史料を組み合わせて過去を再構成する。
(Rekishigakusha wa, tashu tayō na shiryō o kumiawasete kako o saikōsei suru.)
Historians reconstruct the past by combining a wide variety of historical materials.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The kanji 史 (shi) originally depicted a hand holding a receptacle for recording sticks, symbolizing a scribe or official historian. The kanji 料 (ryō) depicts measuring grain (rice + measure), implying 'ingredients' or 'materials.'

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈʃɪərjɔː/

US /ˈʃɪrjɔ/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'shiryō', the pitch starts low and rises on 'ri', then stays relatively high or drops slightly on the long 'ō' depending on the dialect (Heiban or Atamadaka).

Rime avec

資料 (shiryō - data) 試料 (shiryō - sample) 飼料 (shiryō - feed) 死霊 (shiryō - ghost) 詩料 (shiryō - poetic material) 思慮 (shiryo - short o, close rhyme) 治療 (chiryō - treatment) 気流 (kiryū - air current, partial rhyme)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as 'shiryo' (short o), which sounds like 'consideration' (思慮).
Pronouncing it as 'siryo' (missing the 'sh' sound).
Confusing the pitch accent with 'shiryō' (資料), though they are often both pronounced with a flat (Heiban) accent in modern speech.
Adding a 'u' sound at the end like 'shiryou' in a way that sounds like two distinct syllables instead of one long vowel.
Failing to distinguish it from 'shiryō' (animal feed - 飼料), though context usually clarifies this.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

The kanji are standard but the word is specific to formal/academic contexts. Easy to confuse with 資料.

Écriture 4/5

Writing 史 and 料 correctly is easy, but remembering to use 史 instead of 資 requires attention.

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is easy, though the long 'o' must be clear.

Écoute 4/5

Very difficult to distinguish from 資料 (data) without context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

歴史 (History) 材料 (Material) 資料 (Data/Material) 古い (Old) 手紙 (Letter)

Apprends ensuite

文献 (Literature) 古文書 (Ancient documents) 考古学 (Archaeology) 分析 (Analysis) 保存 (Preservation)

Avancé

史料批判 (Source criticism) 翻刻 (Transcription) 編纂 (Compilation) 散逸 (Dissipation/Loss) 信憑性 (Credibility)

Grammaire à connaître

Noun + によると (According to...)

史料によると、当時は飢饉が続いていた。

Noun + に基づいて (Based on...)

この映画は史料に基づいて制作された。

Passive Voice (受身形)

貴重な史料が寺の蔵から発見された。

Noun + をめぐって (Concerning/Surrounding)

史料の解釈をめぐって論争が起きている。

Noun + を通じて (Through/Via)

史料を通じて過去の文化を知る。

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Exemples par niveau

これは古い史料です。

This is an old historical material.

Simple A is B structure using 'kore wa'.

博物館で史料を見ました。

I saw historical materials at the museum.

Direct object marked by 'o'.

史料は大切です。

Historical materials are important.

Adjective 'taisetsu' describing the noun.

そこに史料がありますか？

Are there historical materials there?

Existence verb 'arimasu' for inanimate objects.

史料を読みます。

I read historical materials.

Verb 'yomimasu' (to read).

きれいな史料ですね。

It's a beautiful historical material, isn't it?

Adjective 'kirei' with the particle 'ne'.

史料はどこですか？

Where are the historical materials?

Question about location.

たくさんの史料があります。

There are many historical materials.

Adverb 'takusan' modifying the existence.

新しい史料が見つかりました。

A new historical material was found.

Intransitive verb 'mitsukaru' (to be found).

この史料はとても有名です。

This historical material is very famous.

Adverb 'totemo' modifying 'yūmei'.

史料館へ行きたいです。

I want to go to the historical archives building.

Desire form '-tai' with the destination particle 'e'.

江戸時代の史料を調べます。

I will research historical materials from the Edo period.

Noun modification with 'no'.

史料を使って勉強します。

I will study using historical materials.

Te-form 'tsukatte' showing means/method.

その史料は漢字で書いてあります。

That historical material is written in kanji.

State of being 'kaite arimasu'.

貴重な史料をなくさないでください。

Please do not lose the precious historical materials.

Negative request '-naide kudasai'.

史料の写真をとってもいいですか？

May I take a photo of the historical materials?

Permission form '-te mo ii desu ka'.

史料によると、その城は16世紀に建てられました。

According to historical materials, that castle was built in the 16th century.

Expression 'ni yoru to' (according to).

歴史家は史料を細かく分析した。

The historian analyzed the historical materials in detail.

Adverbial form of 'komakai' (komaku).

この論文は一次史料に基づいている。

This paper is based on primary historical materials.

Expression 'ni motozuite iru' (is based on).

史料を整理するのに時間がかかります。

It takes time to organize historical materials.

Nominalizer 'no' + 'ni' (for the purpose of).

彼はその史料の信憑性を疑っている。

He doubts the credibility of those historical materials.

Direct object 'shinpkyōsei' (credibility).

史料をデジタル化する計画があります。

There is a plan to digitize the historical materials.

Noun phrase 'dejitaru-ka suru keikaku'.

大学の図書館には膨大な史料が保管されている。

A vast amount of historical materials are stored in the university library.

Passive form 'hokan sarete iru'.

史料から当時の人々の生活がわかります。

We can understand the lives of people back then from the historical materials.

Particle 'kara' indicating the source of information.

その史料は、戦国時代研究の第一級の資料だ。

That historical material is a first-class source for Warring States period research.

Compound noun 'daiikkyū no shiryō'.

史料批判を通じて、偽書であることが判明した。

Through historical criticism, it was found to be a forged book.

Expression 'tsūjite' (through/via).

史料の解釈をめぐって、学者たちの意見が分かれている。

Scholars' opinions are divided regarding the interpretation of the historical materials.

Expression 'o megutte' (concerning/surrounding).

未公開の史料が個人の蔵から発見された。

Unpublished historical materials were discovered in a private storehouse.

Passive verb 'hakken sareta'.

史料の記述と考古学的な事実は一致している。

The descriptions in the historical materials match the archaeological facts.

Verb 'itchi suru' (to match/coincide).

この史料は、当時の外交関係を知る上で欠かせない。

This historical material is indispensable for knowing the diplomatic relations of the time.

Expression 'ue de' (in the process of/for the purpose of).

史料の散逸を防ぐために、国が保護に乗り出した。

The government has started to protect the materials to prevent them from being scattered and lost.

Verb 'noridasu' (to set out/embark on).

史料を読み解くには、当時の社会背景の知識が必要だ。

To decipher historical materials, knowledge of the social background of the time is necessary.

Verb 'yomitoku' (to decipher/read into).

史料の博捜によって、これまで知られていなかった事実が浮き彫りになった。

Through extensive searching for historical materials, previously unknown facts were brought to light.

Compound 'ukibori ni naru' (to be brought into relief).

彼は史料の断片から、失われた王朝の姿を再構成しようとしている。

He is trying to reconstruct the image of a lost dynasty from fragments of historical materials.

Volitional form 'saikōsei shiyō to shite iru'.

史料学的な観点から、その文書の成立年代を特定する。

From a historiographical perspective, we will identify the date of the document's creation.

Adjective-forming suffix '-teki' (perspective-wise).

史料の記述が主観的である可能性を常に考慮すべきだ。

One should always consider the possibility that the descriptions in historical materials are subjective.

Auxiliary verb 'beki' (should).

デジタル史料のアーカイブ化は、歴史研究の民主化に寄与している。

The archiving of digital historical materials is contributing to the democratization of historical research.

Verb 'kiyo suru' (to contribute).

史料の空白は、想像力ではなく、さらなる調査によって埋められるべきだ。

Gaps in historical records should be filled not by imagination, but by further investigation.

Passive 'umerareru beki' (should be filled).

その史料は、権力者による歴史の改竄を物語っている。

Those historical materials tell the story of the falsification of history by those in power.

Verb 'monogataru' (to tell/indicate).

史料の保存状態が悪く、解読には高度な技術を要する。

The preservation state of the historical materials is poor, and deciphering them requires advanced technology.

Verb 'yōsuru' (to require).

史料の存在論的地位をめぐる議論は、歴史学の根幹に関わる問題である。

The debate surrounding the ontological status of historical materials is an issue that concerns the very foundation of historiography.

Complex noun phrase with 'o meguru' and 'ni kakawaru'.

テキストとしての史料を脱構築することで、隠蔽されたイデオロギーを抽出する。

By deconstructing historical materials as texts, we extract the concealed ideologies.

Te-form 'de-kōnshutorakuto suru koto de' (by doing...).

史料批判の極致は、沈黙している史料からいかにして声を汲み取るかにある。

The pinnacle of source criticism lies in how to draw voices from historical materials that remain silent.

Structure 'A wa B ni aru' (The essence of A is in B).

膨大な史料群の連関性をビッグデータ解析によって解明する試みが始まった。

Attempts have begun to elucidate the interconnectedness of vast groups of historical materials through big data analysis.

Compound noun 'biggu-dēta kaiseki'.

史料の恣意的な取捨選択は、歴史の叙述を歪める危険性を孕んでいる。

The arbitrary selection of historical materials carries the risk of distorting the historical narrative.

Verb 'haramu' (to involve/be fraught with).

近世史料の翻刻作業は、地道ながらも歴史学の継承に不可欠な営みである。

The task of transcribing early modern historical materials is a steady yet essential activity for the transmission of historiography.

Concessive 'nagara mo' (even though/while).

史料の物理的な劣化は、われわれの記憶の風化を象徴しているかのようだ。

The physical deterioration of historical materials seems to symbolize the weathering of our memories.

Simile 'ka no yō da' (as if it were).

歴史認識の共有には、共通の史料基盤に基づいた対話が前提となる。

Sharing a historical understanding presupposes a dialogue based on a common foundation of historical materials.

Noun 'zentei' (presupposition/premise).

Collocations courantes

史料を分析する

貴重な史料

史料に基づく

一次史料

史料批判

史料を発見する

史料を解読する

史料を収集する

史料が乏しい

史料を翻刻する

Phrases Courantes

史料によると

— Used to introduce information derived from historical records. It is the equivalent of 'According to historical materials.'

史料によると、この付近に市場があったらしい。

史料を読み解く

— To decipher or interpret the deeper meaning of historical records. It implies a deep analysis.

当時の社会状況を史料から読み解く。

史料を裏付ける

— To provide supporting evidence for a historical claim using documents. 'To corroborate with materials.'

彼の説を裏付ける史料が見つかった。

史料に当たる

— To consult or check historical materials directly. Used when a researcher goes to the original source.

不明な点は、直接史料に当たって確認する。

史料の信憑性

— The credibility or reliability of historical materials. A key concern for historians.

この史料の信憑性には疑問がある。

史料の散逸

— The loss or scattering of historical records over time. Often used in preservation contexts.

戦争によって多くの史料が散逸してしまった。

史料館

— A facility for storing and displaying historical materials. Often specialized.

地元の郷土史料館を訪れる。

史料編纂

— The act of editing and compiling historical materials into a systematic collection.

東大の史料編纂所は有名だ。

史料価値

— The value of an item as a historical source. 'Historical value.'

その手紙には高い史料価値がある。

史料提示

— The act of presenting historical materials as evidence.

議論の場で新しい史料を提示する。

Souvent confondu avec

史料 vs 資料 (Shiryō)

General data or materials. This is the most common confusion because the pronunciation is identical.

史料 vs 試料 (Shiryō)

A scientific sample or specimen. Pronounced the same, but used in labs.

史料 vs 飼料 (Shiryō)

Animal feed or fodder. Pronounced the same, but used in farming.

Expressions idiomatiques

"史料に語らせる"

— To let the historical materials speak for themselves. Used when a historian avoids adding their own bias.

余計な解釈をせず、史料に語らせることが重要だ。

Academic/Professional

"史料の海に沈む"

— To be overwhelmed or deeply immersed in a vast amount of historical documents.

彼は毎日、図書館で史料の海に沈んでいる。

Literary

"史料の空白を埋める"

— To discover information that fills a gap in the known historical record.

この発見は、戦国時代初期の史料の空白を埋めるものだ。

Formal

"史料の行間を読む"

— To read between the lines of a historical document to find hidden meanings or biases.

優れた歴史家は、史料の行間を読む力を持っている。

Academic

"史料を私物化する"

— To treat public historical materials as one's own private property or to keep them hidden.

貴重な史料を私物化してはいけない。

Formal

"史料と格闘する"

— To struggle with difficult-to-read or complex historical materials. Implies hard work.

彼は徹夜で古い史料と格闘した。

Casual/Emphatic

"史料から浮かび上がる"

— To emerge or become clear from the study of historical records.

史料から、当時の女性の力強い姿が浮かび上がってきた。

Literary

"史料に忠実である"

— To be faithful to the historical records; to not distort what the documents say.

この映画は、史料に忠実に作られている。

Formal

"史料を掘り起こす"

— To 'dig up' or rediscover forgotten historical materials.

彼は埋もれていた地方の史料を掘り起こした。

Neutral

"史料を盾にする"

— To use historical materials as a 'shield' or absolute proof to defend one's argument.

彼は史料を盾にして、自説を曲げなかった。

Journalistic

Facile à confondre

史料 vs 文献 (Bunken)

Both refer to old documents.

Bunken is strictly 'written literature.' Shiryō is broader and can include artifacts if they serve as historical evidence, though it still leans toward documents.

文献調査 (Literature survey) vs 史料分析 (Historical material analysis).

史料 vs 古文書 (Komonjo)

Both refer to ancient papers.

Komonjo is a subset of Shiryō. It specifically refers to pre-modern handwritten documents (letters, deeds). Shiryō can also be a 1950s newspaper or a film.

この古文書は重要な史料だ。 (This old document is an important historical material.)

史料 vs 遺物 (Ibutsu)

Both are things from the past.

Ibutsu are physical objects (pottery, tools). Shiryō are records (text, maps). A historian uses Shiryō; an archaeologist uses Ibutsu.

遺跡から遺物と、それを説明する史料が見つかった。

史料 vs 記録 (Kiroku)

Both are records of events.

Kiroku is a general term for any record (current or past). Shiryō specifically designates those records as tools for historical study.

日々の記録が、後に史料となる。

史料 vs 典拠 (Tenkyo)

Both refer to sources.

Tenkyo is the 'authority' or 'ground' for a statement. Shiryō is the physical material itself.

その説には確かな典拠（史料）がある。

Structures de phrases

[Era]の史料を[Verb].

江戸時代の史料を見ます。

史料によると、[Fact]そうです。

史料によると、当時はとても寒かったそうです。

史料を[Analysis Verb]必要があります。

史料を詳しく分析する必要があります。

この論文は[Source]という一次史料に基づいている。

この論文は信長の手紙という一次史料に基づいている。

史料の[Noun]をめぐって、意見が分かれている。

史料の解釈をめぐって、意見が分かれている。

史料批判を通じて、[Conclusion]ことが判明した。

史料批判を通じて、それが後世の偽作であることが判明した。

史料の空白を埋めるために、[Action]。

史料の空白を埋めるために、地方の蔵を調査した。

史料の[Abstract Concept]は、[Complex Statement]。

史料の客観性は、常に叙述者の意図によって制約されている。

Famille de mots

Noms

歴史 (rekishi - history)

史学 (shigaku - historical science)

史実 (shijitsu - historical fact)

史論 (shiron - historical treatise)

史書 (shisho - history book)

Verbes

史する (shisuru - to record in history, rare)

料する (ryōsuru - to manage/measure, rare/archaic)

Adjectifs

史的な (shiteki na - historical)

歴史的な (rekishiteki na - historic/historical)

Apparenté

史料館 (shiryō-kan - historical archive)

史料学 (shiryō-gaku - study of historical materials)

史料批判 (shiryō-hihan - source criticism)

史料編纂 (shiryō-hensan - compilation of materials)

一次史料 (ichiji-shiryō - primary source)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in educational, academic, and historical media contexts. Low in daily casual conversation.

Erreurs courantes

Writing 資料 instead of 史料 for history. → 史料
資料 is for general data/handouts; 史料 is specifically for history. They sound the same but the kanji difference is crucial.
Using 史料 for a modern novel set in the past. → 歴史小説 (Rekishi shōsetsu)
A novel is a creative work, not a 'historical material' (evidence), unless you are studying the history of literature itself.
Saying 'shiryo' (short o). → shiryō (long o)
The long vowel is necessary. 'Shiryo' means 'consideration' or 'thought.'
Confusing 史料 with 遺物 (artifact). → 史料 (for records), 遺物 (for objects)
While there is overlap, 史料 usually implies something that can be 'read' or 'deciphered' (textual record).
Using 史料 for animal feed. → 飼料 (Shiryō)
They sound the same, but 'shiryō' (feed) is used in agriculture. Context usually prevents this, but be careful in writing.

Astuces

Use with 'ni yoru to'

Whenever you want to say 'According to historical records,' use '史料によると.' It's a very standard and useful pattern.

Remember the Scribe

The kanji 史 looks like a hand holding a record. This helps you remember it's about 'history' and 'records.'

Museum Labels

When you are in a Japanese museum, look for the word 史料 on labels. It will help you identify which items are considered primary evidence.

Primary vs Secondary

Learn the difference between 一次史料 (primary) and 二次史料 (secondary). It's essential for any B1+ level discussion of history.

Long Vowel Clarity

Ensure the 'ō' in shiryō is long. If it's too short, it sounds like 'shiryo' (consideration), which is a different word.

Style Choice

Using 史料 instead of just 'old papers' makes your Japanese sound more educated and precise in formal writing.

Related Compounds

Learn '史料館' (archive) as a single unit. You will see it on signs all over Japan.

Search Terms

If you are searching for historical documents online, use '史料' + [Era] as your search term for better results.

Listen in News

Listen for this word when NHK reports on archaeological finds. It's almost always used there.

Handling Materials

If you ever handle 史料 in Japan, remember the phrase '史料を大切に扱う' (Treat historical materials with care).

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Shi' as the start of 'History' and 'Ryo' as 'Ingredients' (like in food). History Ingredients = Historical Materials.

Association visuelle

Imagine a dusty old scroll (History) being measured on a scale (Material/Ingredient).

Word Web

History Archives Evidence Scrolls Diaries Museum Research Authenticity

Défi

Try to find one '史料' in your own house (like an old family photo or letter) and describe it in Japanese using the word '史料'.

Origine du mot

The word is a Sinitic (Sino-Japanese) compound. It combines '史' (shi) and '料' (ryō). The use of this specific compound gained prominence in the modern era as Japanese history became a formalized academic discipline influenced by Western historiographical methods.

Sens originel : 'Materials for history.'

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexte culturel

When handling 史料, respect is paramount. In Japan, many documents are still held by private families or temples; researchers must often follow strict etiquette to gain access.

In English-speaking academia, we often distinguish between 'primary sources' and 'secondary sources.' Japanese uses '一次史料' and '二次史料' in the exact same way.

The 'Shiryō Hensan-jo' (Historiographical Institute) at Tokyo University. The 'Shōsō-in' repository in Nara, which holds 8th-century 史料. NHK's 'Rekishi Hiwa Historia' (History's Secret Stories) program.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Museum Visit

史料を展示する
貴重な史料
史料の説明文
史料の保護

University History Class

史料を分析する
一次史料を探す
史料批判を行う
史料に基づいた議論

Television Documentary

史料によると...
新発見の史料
未公開の史料
史料が語る真実

Library Research

史料を閲覧する
史料室
史料の複写
史料目録

Archaeological Dig

史料を掘り起こす
文字史料
非文字史料
史料と遺物

Amorces de conversation

"日本の歴史を勉強する時、どんな史料を読みますか？ (When you study Japanese history, what kind of historical materials do you read?)"

"最近、何か面白い新発見の史料についてニュースで見ましたか？ (Have you seen any news lately about interesting newly discovered historical materials?)"

"あなたの家には、将来史料になりそうな古いものはありますか？ (Do you have anything old in your house that might become a historical material in the future?)"

"史料をデジタル化することについて、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about digitizing historical materials?)"

"歴史小説を書くなら、どんな史料を参考にしたいですか？ (If you were to write a historical novel, what kind of materials would you want to use as a reference?)"

Sujets d'écriture

もし自分が歴史家だったら、どの時代の史料を一番調べてみたいか書いてください。 (Write about which era's historical materials you would most like to investigate if you were a historian.)

博物館で見た中で、最も印象に残っている史料について説明してください。 (Describe the historical material you saw in a museum that left the strongest impression on you.)

「史料」と「資料」の違いを、自分の言葉で説明してみましょう。 (Try to explain the difference between 'shiryō' (history) and 'shiryō' (data) in your own words.)

自分の日記が100年後に史料として発見されたら、どんなことがわかるか想像してください。 (Imagine what people would learn if your diary were discovered as a historical material 100 years from now.)

史料を保存することの重要性について、あなたの意見を述べてください。 (State your opinion on the importance of preserving historical materials.)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Generally, no. A textbook is a 'secondary source' (二次史料), but it's more commonly called a 'kyōkasho' (教科書) or 'sankōsho' (参考書). 史料 usually refers to the original evidence the textbook is based on.

Not exactly. 'Artifact' is usually '遺物' (ibutsu). However, if an artifact has writing on it or is being used specifically as historical evidence, it can be called a 史料. Usually, 史料 implies something written.

Ask yourself: Is this for a history project or studying the past? Use 史料. Is it for a business meeting, a current school project, or general data? Use 資料.

It is '一次史料' (ichiji shiryō). These are materials produced at the time of the event, like an original letter or diary.

Yes, they are both 'shiryō' (shi-ryo-u). In standard Japanese, they both typically have a 'Heiban' (flat) pitch accent, making context the only way to tell them apart when spoken.

Yes, if you are treating them as historical evidence of your family or town's past, you can call them 'shiryō.' It sounds quite formal and serious.

It means 'historical criticism' or 'source criticism.' It's the academic process of checking if a document is authentic and identifying its biases.

It's common in news, museums, and documentaries, but you wouldn't use it to talk about your grocery list or a work report.

It's a small museum or archive center that stores and displays historical materials, often focused on a specific region or family.

You can say '膨大な史料' (bōdai na shiryō).

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