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B2 noun #4,500 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

探究

tankyu 상위 4,500

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 探究 30초 만에

설명 探究 in your Level:

At the A1 level, 探究 (tankyū) is a very difficult word that you usually won't need. However, you can think of it as a 'super-study' word. While you learn 'benkyō' (勉強) for normal studying, tankyū is what scientists do when they want to find out big secrets, like how the stars work. Imagine you are looking at a small bug with a magnifying glass for a long time because you want to know everything about it. That feeling is tankyū. It's a formal word, so you might see it in books about science or history. Don't worry about using it in daily conversation yet; just remember it means 'looking very, very closely to find the truth.'

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the A2 level, you are starting to see more kanji. 探究 uses the kanji 探 (to look for) and 究 (to study deeply). You might hear this word in school contexts in Japan. Teachers often talk about 'tankyū-shin' (探究心), which means having a heart that wants to find out more. If you like to ask 'Why?' all the time, you have a good tankyū-shin. You can use this word when you talk about your hobbies if they are very serious, like 'I am investigating the history of Japanese food.' It's more formal than just 'shiraberu' (to look up), so it makes you sound like a very serious student.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B1 level, you should be able to distinguish 探究 from simpler words like 'chōsa' (investigation). While a 'chōsa' might be a simple survey of how many people like apples, tankyū is an inquiry into 'what makes an apple an apple' or 'the history of apples in human culture.' It is often used as a suru-verb: 探究する (tankyū suru). You will encounter it in news reports about science, philosophy, or art. A key phrase to remember is 'Shinri no tankyū' (探究 of truth). It's a great word to use in a speech or an essay when you want to describe a deep interest in a topic that goes beyond just surface-level facts.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B2 level, 探究 is an essential word for academic and professional Japanese. You need to know that it specifically refers to the pursuit of the 'essence' (本質) or 'truth' (真理) of a matter. It is distinct from its homophone 'tankyū' (探求), which is about seeking a goal or a physical object. At this level, you should be comfortable using tankyū in sentences like 'The purpose of this research is to explore (探究する) the causes of social inequality.' It shows that you understand the formal register and the nuance of intellectual persistence. You will see it frequently in the 'Tankyū no Jikan' (Inquiry Time) curriculum in Japanese schools, which focuses on critical thinking.

At the C1 level, you should master the philosophical nuances of 探究. It is not just a method but an ontological approach to knowledge. In C1-level texts, tankyū is often contrasted with more utilitarian forms of investigation. It represents a 'pure' quest for knowledge that isn't necessarily driven by a specific practical outcome but by the inherent value of understanding. You should be able to discuss 'academic inquiry' (学術的探究) and 'self-inquiry' (自己探究) with ease. It is a word that appears in the works of Japanese philosophers like Nishida Kitaro. Using it correctly in complex sentences allows you to engage in high-level discourse about science, ethics, and the arts.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, 探究 is a tool for precise conceptual mapping. You understand its historical and cultural weight in the Japanese intellectual tradition. You can differentiate it from 'kyūmei' (clarification of a cause) and 'tsuikyū' (pursuit of a goal) in highly nuanced contexts. A C2 speaker uses tankyū to describe the exhaustive, almost spiritual process of mastering a discipline or uncovering a fundamental law of nature. It is the word of the 'shokunin' (craftsman) and the 'gakusha' (scholar) alike. In a C2 context, tankyū is the ultimate expression of the human drive to transcend ignorance and reach a state of comprehensive understanding.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

探究 30초 만에

A formal noun/verb meaning deep intellectual inquiry or scientific investigation.
Focuses on finding the 'truth' or 'essence' of a subject, not just data.
Commonly used in academic, scientific, and philosophical contexts in Japan.
Distinct from physical searching (探す) or simple surveys (調査).

The Japanese word 探究 (tankyū) is a sophisticated noun and suru-verb that represents the intellectual or scientific pursuit of knowledge. While the English word 'investigation' or 'exploration' might suffice in a casual context, tankyū carries a weight of depth, persistence, and a desire to reach the ultimate truth of a matter. It is composed of two kanji: 探 (to search, probe, or explore) and 究 (to investigate thoroughly, to reach the end, or to master). Together, they form a concept that is less about finding a lost physical object and more about uncovering the underlying principles of the universe, society, or the human condition.

Core Nuance: Unlike a simple search (検索 - kensaku) or a general survey (調査 - chōsa), tankyū implies a scholarly or philosophical rigor. It is the act of digging deep into the 'why' and 'how' rather than just the 'what'.
Academic Context: In modern Japanese education, 'Period for Integrated Studies' has evolved into 'Period for Inquiry-Based Cross-disciplinary Study' (総合的な探究の時間 - Sōgō-teki na Tankyū no Jikan), highlighting the word's importance in developing critical thinking and self-directed learning.

People use 探究 when they are discussing scientific research, philosophical debates, or deep personal journeys into a specific craft or art form. If a scientist is trying to understand the origin of the cosmos, they are engaged in tankyū. If a historian is trying to find the hidden motives behind a historical event, they are also performing tankyū.

彼は生涯をかけて、生命の神秘を探究し続けた。
(He spent his entire life investigating the mysteries of life.)

Furthermore, tankyū is often paired with 'spirit' (心 - shin) to form 探究心 (tankyū-shin), meaning a 'spirit of inquiry' or 'intellectual curiosity'. This is a highly valued trait in Japanese culture, often cited in job interviews and school applications as a key strength. It suggests that the person is not just a passive learner but an active seeker of knowledge who won't stop until they understand the essence of a topic.

Common Collocations: 真理の探究 (Shinri no tankyū - Pursuit of truth), 自己の探究 (Jiko no tankyū - Self-exploration), 学問的探究 (Gakumon-teki tankyū - Academic inquiry).

新しい技術の可能性を探究することは、企業の成長に不可欠だ。
(Exploring the possibilities of new technology is essential for a company's growth.)

To summarize, tankyū is the bridge between mere curiosity and profound understanding. It requires patience, methodology, and a deep-seated passion for the subject matter. Whether you are a student, a researcher, or an artist, embracing the 'tankyū-shin' is seen as the path to true mastery and enlightenment in Japanese society.

Using 探究 (tankyū) correctly requires understanding its role as a verbal noun (suru-verb). It typically takes the particle を (wo) to indicate the object of the investigation. Because it is a formal and heavy word, it is most frequently found in written reports, speeches, academic papers, and serious documentaries.

Structure: [Noun] + を + 探究する: This is the standard way to say 'to investigate [Noun] deeply'. Example: 宇宙の起源を探究する (Investigating the origins of the universe).

このゼミでは、近代文学の表現技法を深く探究します。
(In this seminar, we will deeply explore the expressive techniques of modern literature.)

One of the most powerful uses of 探究 is in the context of self-discovery or philosophical inquiry. It suggests a process of looking inward or questioning the nature of existence.

哲学者は、正義とは何かという問いを探究し続けてきた。
(Philosophers have continued to investigate the question of what justice is.)

In business or technical settings, tankyū is used when a company is not just fixing a bug, but trying to understand the fundamental mechanics of a new market or technology.

AIの倫理的課題についての探究が急務となっている。
(The exploration of ethical issues regarding AI has become an urgent matter.)

Nuance Comparison: If you use 調査 (chōsa), it sounds like you are collecting data or doing a survey. If you use 探究 (tankyū), it sounds like you are seeking the truth or essence of the data.

美の本質を探究することが、彼の芸術活動の原動力だ。
(Inquiring into the essence of beauty is the driving force of his artistic activities.)

Finally, remember that tankyū is rarely used for mundane things. You wouldn't 'tankyū' your lost keys or a good restaurant. Those require 'sagasu' (探す). Reserve tankyū for the big, meaningful, and complex questions of life and science.

You are most likely to encounter 探究 (tankyū) in environments where high-level thinking is the norm. It is a staple of NHK documentaries, university lectures, and intellectual talk shows. If you are watching a program about deep-sea exploration or the search for extraterrestrial life, the narrator will almost certainly use this word.

In the News: Journalists use tankyū when reporting on groundbreaking scientific discoveries or complex social issues that require deep analysis. It adds a layer of seriousness and respect to the topic being discussed.

ノーベル賞受賞者は、飽くなき探究心の重要性を説いた。
(The Nobel Prize winner preached the importance of an insatiable spirit of inquiry.)

In Japanese schools, particularly high schools, tankyū has become a buzzword due to the curriculum changes. Students now have specific classes dedicated to 'tankyū' where they choose a topic, research it deeply, and present their findings. This has brought the word into the daily vocabulary of teenagers, though still in a formal academic context.

You will also hear this word in the world of traditional Japanese arts (Geidō). A master of tea ceremony (sadō) or calligraphy (shodō) might speak about their life-long tankyū of the 'Way' (道 - michi). In this context, it implies a spiritual and technical perfectionism.

伝統芸能の奥深さを探究する旅に出る。
(Embarking on a journey to explore the profound depths of traditional performing arts.)

Media Examples: Documentary titles like '宇宙の謎を探究する' (Exploring the Mysteries of the Universe) or book titles such as '真理の探究' (The Quest for Truth).

In summary, tankyū is a word of the library, the laboratory, and the temple. It is heard when people are looking past the surface to find the soul of a subject. When you hear it, prepare for a conversation that is deep, meaningful, and likely quite educational.

The most common mistake learners (and even native speakers sometimes) make with 探究 (tankyū) is confusing it with its homophone 探求 (tankyū). While they sound identical and share the same first kanji, their meanings and usage contexts are distinct.

探求 (Tankyū) - Quest/Pursuit: This version uses the kanji 求 (to seek/request). It is used for 'seeking' something you want to obtain, like happiness (幸福の探求), peace (平和の探求), or a lost treasure.
探究 (Tankyū) - Inquiry/Investigation: This version uses 究 (to research/exhaust). It is used for 'investigating' a truth or a logic. You don't 'obtain' a truth like a prize; you 'uncover' it through study.

Another mistake is using tankyū for simple physical searches. If you are looking for your cat, do not use tankyū. It sounds like you are performing a biological and philosophical autopsy on the concept of 'catness' rather than looking under the sofa.

❌ 鍵を探究している。
(I am investigating the essence of my keys. - Incorrect for 'looking for keys')

✅ 鍵を探している。
(I am looking for my keys.)

Learners also sometimes confuse tankyū with 調査 (chōsa). While chōsa is a general word for 'investigation' or 'survey' (like a police investigation or a market survey), tankyū is much more academic and abstract. You 'chōsa' the number of people in a room; you 'tankyū' the nature of human socialization.

Register Errors: Using tankyū in a very casual conversation with friends can sound overly stiff or even sarcastic, as if you are pretending to be a professor. Use it when the topic actually deserves deep thought.

In summary: Avoid using it for physical objects, don't confuse it with 'seeking' (探求), and match the formal tone of the word to the seriousness of your subject.

Japanese has many words for 'searching' and 'investigating'. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are looking for a physical object, a person, a fact, or a deep truth. Here is a breakdown of how 探究 (tankyū) compares to its neighbors.

研究 (Kenkyū): Meaning: Research.
Difference: Kenkyū is the standard word for academic study. Tankyū is more about the act of inquiring and the spirit of curiosity that drives the research. Kenkyū often results in a paper; Tankyū is the journey itself.
調査 (Chōsa): Meaning: Investigation / Survey.
Difference: Chōsa is practical and data-driven. Police do chōsa. Marketing teams do chōsa. Tankyū is philosophical and theoretical.
探索 (Tansaku): Meaning: Search / Exploration.
Difference: Tansaku often involves physical movement or searching through a space (like a dungeon in a game or a search engine on the web). Tankyū is mental movement.

比較：
1. 犯人を捜査する (Investigate a criminal)
2. 洞窟を探索する (Explore a cave)
3. 心理を探究する (Inquire into the psyche)

There is also 究明 (kyūmei), which means 'to clarify' or 'to get to the bottom of'. This is used when there is a specific mystery or cause that needs to be explained, such as the cause of an accident (原因の究明).

For 'seeking' something abstract like a goal, use 追求 (tsuikyū). For 'pursuing' a responsibility or a person, use 追及 (tsuikyū). The homophones in this category are numerous, so always check the kanji.

Summary Table: - 探究: Deep truth / Essence
- 探求: Seeking a prize / Happiness
- 探索: Searching a place / Data
- 捜索: Searching for something missing / Criminals

Understanding these subtle differences will help you express yourself with the precision expected of a B2-level speaker. Tankyū is the most 'intellectual' of the bunch, so use it to show off your depth of thought!

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The character 究 (kyū) contains the radical for 'cave' (穴). This implies that true investigation is like entering a deep, dark cave and not coming out until you've reached the very back wall.

발음 가이드

UK /tæŋ.kjuː/

US /tæŋ.kju/

In Japanese, it has a flat pitch accent (Heiban), meaning the pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable.

라임이 맞는 단어

Kankyū (緩急 - tempo) Sankyū (サンキュー - thank you) Bunkyū (文久 - era name) Genkyū (言及 - mention) Kenkyū (研究 - research) Senkyū (選球 - ball selection) Renkyū (連休 - consecutive holidays) Tenkyū (天球 - celestial sphere)

자주 하는 실수

Shortening the final 'u' sound (saying 'tankyu' instead of 'tankyū').
Mispronouncing 'tan' as 'ten'.
Confusing the pitch with 'tankyū' (探球) which might have different emphasis in regional dialects.
Merging the 'n' and 'k' sounds too much; ensure the 'n' (ん) is distinct.
Over-aspirating the 'k' sound.

난이도

독해 4/5

Requires knowledge of the 'kyū' kanji, often confused with similar looking ones.

쓰기 4/5

Writing '究' and '探' requires focus on stroke order and radicals.

말하기 3/5

Easy to pronounce but requires a formal context to sound natural.

듣기 3/5

Must distinguish from 'tankyū' (quest) via context or kanji in subtitles.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

探す (sagasu) 研究 (kenkyū) 勉強 (benkyō) 調査 (chōsa) 心 (kokoro)

다음에 배울 것

追求 (tsuikyū) 究明 (kyūmei) 分析 (bunseki) 考察 (kōsatsu) 概念 (gainen)

고급

存在論 (ontology) 認識論 (epistemology) 形而上学 (metaphysics) 帰納法 (induction) 演繹法 (deduction)

알아야 할 문법

Suru-verbs (N+する)

彼は歴史を**探究する**。

Noun modification with の

真理**の**探究は終わらない。

Compound nouns

探究**心** (Spirit of inquiry).

Formal volitional form (～しましょう)

宇宙の謎を**探究しましょう**。

Passive voice (～される)

その問題は長年**探究されてきた**。

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

科学者は星を探究します。

Scientists investigate stars.

Subject + は + Object + を + 探究します。

私たちは「なぜ」を探究します。

We explore the 'why'.

Using a question word as an object.

探究は楽しいです。

Investigation is fun.

Noun + は + Adjective.

先生は歴史を探究します。

The teacher investigates history.

Formal occupation + subject.

本で新しい世界を探究する。

Explore a new world with a book.

Plain form + noun phrase.

虫の生活を探究しよう。

Let's investigate the life of insects.

Volitional form (shiyō).

海の中を探究したいです。

I want to explore the inside of the sea.

Tai-form (want to).

探究心は大切です。

A spirit of inquiry is important.

Compound noun: 探究 + 心.

彼は植物の成長を探究している。

He is investigating the growth of plants.

Te-iru form (ongoing action).

図書館で真実を探究する。

Search for the truth in the library.

Location + で.

この本は宇宙の謎を探究している。

This book explores the mysteries of the universe.

Book as a subject.

私たちは数学の美しさを探究した。

We explored the beauty of mathematics.

Past tense (shita).

子供の探究心を育てたい。

I want to nurture children's spirit of inquiry.

Causative-like context (sodateru).

探究することで、新しいことがわかる。

By investigating, you understand new things.

Koto de (by means of).

料理の味を探究するのは面白い。

Inquiring into the flavors of cooking is interesting.

Gerund-like use of 'no wa'.

もっと深く探究しましょう。

Let's investigate more deeply.

Adverbial use of fukaku.

大学で心理学を深く探究したいと思っています。

I am thinking of deeply exploring psychology at university.

To omotte imasu (stating intention).

その学者は生涯をかけて真理を探究した。

That scholar spent his whole life investigating the truth.

Shōgai wo kakete (over a lifetime).

探究活動を通じて、論理的思考を養う。

Develop logical thinking through inquiry activities.

Tsūjite (through/via).

未知の領域を探究するのは勇気がいる。

It takes courage to explore unknown territories.

Noun phrase + ga iru (requires).

彼は常に新しい表現を専門的に探究している。

He is always professionally exploring new expressions.

Adverbial 'senmon-teki ni'.

この論文は、環境問題の背景を詳しく探究している。

This paper explores the background of environmental issues in detail.

Detailed investigation context.

探究の結果、意外な事実が判明した。

As a result of the inquiry, an unexpected fact came to light.

No kekka (as a result of).

自由な探究が科学の進歩を支えている。

Free inquiry supports the progress of science.

Abstract subject + verb.

哲学的な問いを深めるためには、絶え間ない探究が必要だ。

Constant inquiry is necessary to deepen philosophical questions.

Tame ni wa (in order to).

彼は自己のアイデンティティを求めて、精神世界を探究した。

He explored the spiritual world in search of his own identity.

Motomete (seeking) + tankyū (investigating).

このプロジェクトの目的は、伝統文化の現代的意義を探究することにある。

The purpose of this project lies in exploring the modern significance of traditional culture.

Koto ni aru (consists in/lies in).

科学的探究において、仮説の検証は欠かせないステップだ。

In scientific inquiry, the verification of hypotheses is an indispensable step.

Ni oite (in/at).

人間性の本質を探究することは、文学の永遠のテーマである。

Exploring the essence of humanity is an eternal theme of literature.

Formal definition sentence structure.

独自の理論を構築するために、膨大な資料を探究した。

In order to construct an original theory, I explored a vast amount of materials.

Bōdai na (vast) + tankyū.

探究心旺盛な若者たちが、未来の技術を切り拓く。

Young people with an abundant spirit of inquiry will pave the way for future technology.

Tankyū-shin ōsei (full of curiosity).

既存の知識に満足せず、さらなる深淵を探究する。

Not satisfied with existing knowledge, one explores further depths.

Zuni (without doing).

言語の起源に関する学術的探究は、未だに多くの謎に包まれている。

Academic inquiry into the origin of language is still shrouded in many mysteries.

Ni kansuru (regarding).

彼は一貫して、権力の構造と個人の自由の相克を探究してきた。

He has consistently explored the conflict between power structures and individual freedom.

Ikkan shite (consistently).

芸術におけるリアリズムの限界を探究する試みがなされている。

Attempts are being made to explore the limits of realism in art.

試みがなされている (attempts are being made).

現象学的な視点から、意識の志向性を探究する。

Investigate the intentionality of consciousness from a phenomenological perspective.

Shiten kara (from the perspective of).

その詩人は、言葉の響きとその背後にある沈黙を探究した。

The poet explored the sound of words and the silence behind them.

Metaphorical exploration.

社会的正義の実現に向けた理論的探究が、法制化の基礎となる。

Theoretical inquiry toward the realization of social justice forms the basis of legislation.

Ni muketa (aimed at).

彼は古文書を紐解き、失われた歴史の断片を丹念に探究した。

He unrolled old documents and carefully investigated fragments of lost history.

Tannen ni (meticulously).

宇宙物理学の最前線では、ダークマターの正体を探究する研究が加速している。

At the forefront of astrophysics, research exploring the true nature of dark matter is accelerating.

Saizensen (forefront).

純粋理性批判におけるカントの探究は、近代哲学の転換点となった。

Kant's inquiry in the Critique of Pure Reason became a turning point for modern philosophy.

Historical academic reference.

生命倫理の根源的探究なくして、先端医療の発展はあり得ない。

Without a fundamental inquiry into bioethics, the development of advanced medicine is impossible.

Naku shite (without...).

彼は、西洋と東洋の思想が交差する地点で、普遍的な真理を探究した。

He investigated universal truth at the intersection of Western and Eastern thought.

Abstract spatial metaphor.

知の探究という行為そのものが、人間に尊厳を与えるのである。

The very act of the inquiry of knowledge grants dignity to human beings.

Sono mono (itself).

数学的な完全性を探究する過程で、彼は数々の美しい定理を導き出した。

In the process of exploring mathematical perfection, he derived numerous beautiful theorems.

Katei de (in the process of).

この著作は、資本主義の構造的矛盾を徹底的に探究した記念碑的作品である。

This work is a monumental piece that thoroughly investigated the structural contradictions of capitalism.

Kinenbi-teki (monumental/landmark).

主観と客観の境界を曖昧にするような、意識の深層への探究が続く。

The inquiry into the deep layers of consciousness, which seems to blur the boundary between subjective and objective, continues.

Yō na (like/as if).

美学的な探究の果てに彼が辿り着いたのは、究極の「無」であった。

At the end of his aesthetic inquiry, what he reached was the ultimate 'nothingness'.

No hate ni (at the end of).

동의어

研究調査探索追求究明

반의어

放置無視

자주 쓰는 조합

真理を探究する

本質を探究する

探究心を育む

学術的探究

飽くなき探究

徹底的に探究する

自己を探究する

科学的な探究

宇宙の謎を探究する

歴史の闇を探究する

자주 쓰는 구문

探究心がある

— To be curious and investigative.

彼は探究心がある学生だ。

探究活動

— Inquiry activities, often in schools.

午後は探究活動の時間です。

探究を深める

— To deepen one's inquiry or investigation.

議論を通じて探究を深める。

探究の成果

— The results of an inquiry.

これが長年の探究の成果だ。

探究の旅

— A journey of exploration (literal or metaphorical).

真実を知るための探究の旅。

探究の途上

— In the middle of an inquiry.

私たちはまだ探究の途上にいる。

共同探究

— Collaborative inquiry.

他校との共同探究プロジェクト。

探究領域

— A field or domain of inquiry.

彼の探究領域は広い。

探究の精神

— The spirit of inquiry.

探究の精神を忘れない。

探究課題

— An inquiry task or research question.

自分の探究課題を決定する。

자주 혼동되는 단어

探究 vs 探求 (Tankyū)

Sounds the same. 探求 is 'seeking' a goal/object (like happiness). 探究 is 'investigating' a truth/essence.

探究 vs 探索 (Tansaku)

探索 is searching through a physical or digital space (like a forest or a database).

探究 vs 捜査 (Sōsa)

捜査 is specifically for criminal investigations by police.

관용어 및 표현

"真理の探究"

— The ultimate quest for truth, often cited as the goal of science and philosophy.

学問の目的は真理の探究にある。

Academic

"飽くなき探究心"

— An insatiable curiosity that never gets tired of searching.

彼の成功の秘訣は飽くなき探究心だ。

Complimentary

"知の探究"

— The pursuit of knowledge.

人類は古来より知の探究を続けてきた。

Formal

"美の探究"

— The pursuit of beauty, used in art and aesthetics.

芸術家にとって美の探究は終わりがない。

Artistic

"自己探究"

— Self-exploration or searching for one's own identity.

若者はしばしば自己探究に陥る。

Psychological

"根源的探究"

— Fundamental inquiry into the very roots of a matter.

存在の意味についての根源的探究。

Philosophical

"科学的探究"

— Scientific inquiry/method.

客観的なデータに基づく科学的探究。

Scientific

"歴史探究"

— Historical inquiry.

郷土の歴史探究に励む。

Formal

"探究の徒"

— A person devoted to inquiry (a seeker).

彼は真理を探究する徒である。

Literary

"無限の探究"

— Infinite inquiry.

宇宙は無限の探究の対象だ。

Poetic

혼동하기 쉬운

探究 vs 探求

Phonetically identical (tankyū).

探求 (seek) uses '求' (request/seek). 探究 (inquire) uses '究' (study to the end). Use 探求 for things you want to get (peace, love). Use 探究 for things you want to understand (truth, science).

幸福の探求 (Quest for happiness) vs 真理の探究 (Quest for truth).

探究 vs 調査

Both mean 'investigation'.

調査 is for facts, numbers, and surveys. 探究 is for deep concepts and underlying principles.

人口調査 (Census) vs 人間の本質の探究 (Inquiry into human nature).

探究 vs 探索

Both involve 'exploring'.

探索 is often physical (exploring a cave) or searching for specific information. 探究 is mental/intellectual.

洞窟の探索 (Cave exploration) vs 宇宙の起源の探究 (Inquiry into the origin of the universe).

探究 vs 究明

Both use the character '究'.

究明 is usually 'getting to the bottom of' a specific problem or cause (e.g., an accident). 探究 is more open-ended and academic.

事故原因の究明 (Clarifying the cause of the accident) vs 科学的探究 (Scientific inquiry).

探究 vs 研究

Both mean 'research'.

研究 is the systematic study (the profession/method). 探究 is the intellectual drive and deep questioning aspect.

医学の研究 (Medical research) vs 生命の探究 (The inquiry into life).

문장 패턴

[Subject] は [Object] を探究している。

科学者は新しいエネルギーを探究している。

[Topic] の探究は、[Result] につながる。

真理の探究は、人類の進歩につながる。

[Object] を探究する過程で、[Discovery]。

星を探究する過程で、新しい惑星を見つけた。

[Adverb] な探究心が、[Action] を可能にした。

飽くなき探究心が、この発見を可能にした。

[Subject] は、[Concept] の本質を探究し続けている。

彼は美の本質を探究し続けている。

[Topic] に関する根源的な探究なくして、[Outcome] はない。

倫理に関する根源的な探究なくして、正しい法はない。

探究の果てに辿り着いたのは、[Conclusion] であった。

探究の果てに辿り着いたのは、沈黙であった。

[Topic] を探究しましょう。

みんなで歴史を探究しましょう。

어휘 가족

명사

探究心 (tankyū-shin)

探究者 (tankyū-sha)

探究活動 (tankyū-katsudō)

동사

探究する (tankyū-suru)

형용사

探究的な (tankyū-teki na)

사용법

frequency

High in academic and media contexts; low in casual daily life.

자주 하는 실수

Confusing 探究 with 探求. → Use 探究 for knowledge/truth; 探求 for goals/items.
This is the most common error due to identical pronunciation.
Using 探究 for lost items. → Use 探す (sagasu).
探究 is for abstract or academic inquiry, not finding keys.
Using 探究 for police investigations. → Use 捜査 (sōsa).
探究 is too scholarly for law enforcement contexts.
Shortening the long 'ū'. → Tankyū (long u).
Shortening it makes it sound like 'tankyu' (thank you) or 'tankyu' (short ball).
Using it in very casual talk. → Use 調べる (shiraberu).
探究 is a high-register word and can sound stiff in casual settings.

팁

Formal Writing

When writing a report, use 探究する instead of 調べる to make your work sound more professional and deep.

Kanji Breakdown

Remember 探 (search) + 究 (exhaust/research). You are searching until you exhaust the topic!

Sound Smart

Use '探究心をくすぐる' (to tickle one's curiosity) to describe something very interesting.

Context Matters

Always check if the topic is academic. If it's about science, math, or philosophy, 探究 is likely the right word.

Spotting it in News

Look for 探究 in headlines about Nobel Prizes or new archaeological finds.

Particle Choice

Always use the particle 'を' before '探究する' to indicate the subject of study.

The Scholar's Cave

Visualize the 'cave' radical in 究 and imagine a scholar searching for a gem of truth inside.

Traditional Arts

Masters of tea ceremony often use this word to describe their life-long study of the art.

Documentary Key Word

When you hear 'tankyū', expect the narrator to start explaining a complex theory.

Self-Reflection

Use '自己探究' in your journal to describe the process of understanding yourself.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a **Tank** (探) driving into a **Queue** (究) of deep questions. You need a big tank of energy to get to the end of the line!

시각적 연상

Imagine a scholar in a dark cave (the radical 穴 in 究) holding a lantern (探) to find a hidden scroll of truth.

Word Web

Science Philosophy Truth Research Curiosity Depth Essence Scholar

챌린지

Write three things you would like to 'tankyū' in your own life using the grammar '[Topic] を探究したい'.

어원

Composed of two Sino-Japanese characters (Kanji): 探 (tan) and 究 (kyū).

원래 의미: 探 means to 'grope' or 'search' (originally with the hand, as seen in the hand radical 扌). 究 means to 'investigate to the end' (originally showing a person 𠂉 in a cave 穴, suggesting going deep to find the end).

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

문화적 맥락

It is a very positive, intellectual word. No specific taboos.

Closest equivalents are 'Inquiry', 'Scholarly Quest', or 'Deep Exploration'.

Sōgō-teki na Tankyū no Jikan (Japanese high school curriculum) The works of philosopher Nishida Kitaro NHK Science Documentaries

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

University / Research

学術的探究
研究の目的
仮説の検証
探究成果

Philosophy / Religion

真理の探究
自己探究
人生の意味
根源的問い

Science / Nature

宇宙の探究
生命の神秘
科学的探究
未知の領域

Art / Craftsmanship

美の探究
表現の探究
技の探究
本質の追求

Education / Schools

探究学習
探究心
課題の設定
発表会

대화 시작하기

"最近、何か深く探究していることはありますか？ (Is there anything you've been investigating deeply lately?)"

"子供たちの探究心を育てるには、どうすればいいと思いますか？ (What do you think is the best way to nurture children's spirit of inquiry?)"

"あなたは「真理の探究」という言葉にどんなイメージを持ちますか？ (What kind of image do you have of the phrase 'quest for truth'?)"

"日本のアニメは、しばしば人間の内面を深く探究していますね。 (Japanese anime often explores the human inner self deeply, doesn't it?)"

"もし一生をかけて何かを探究できるなら、何を選びますか？ (If you could spend your whole life investigating one thing, what would you choose?)"

일기 주제

今日、自分が一番「知りたい」と思ったことは何ですか？それを探究する第一歩を書いてください。 (What did you want to know most today? Write the first step to investigating it.)

「探究心」が自分の人生にどのような影響を与えてきたか考えてみましょう。 (Think about how a 'spirit of inquiry' has influenced your life.)

自分が尊敬する「探究者」は誰ですか？その理由を詳しく説明してください。 (Who is an 'inquirer' you respect? Explain the reasons in detail.)

もしあなたが科学者なら、宇宙のどの謎を探究したいですか？ (If you were a scientist, which mystery of the universe would you want to explore?)

「学ぶこと」と「探究すること」の違いについて、あなたの意見を書いてください。 (Write your opinion on the difference between 'learning' and 'inquiring'.)

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No. For physical objects, use 探す (sagasu). 探究 is for abstract truths or academic subjects.

Not really. It is mostly used in schools, documentaries, or when talking about serious hobbies/research. It sounds very formal.

Look at the second kanji. 究 (kyū) is the same as in 研究 (kenkyū - research). If you are 'researching', use 探究. 求 (kyū) means 'to want/seek'. If you 'want' something like happiness, use 探求.

It's a specific class time where students choose a topic they are curious about and perform their own deep research project.

It is a noun that becomes a verb when you add 'suru' (探究する).

No, police use 捜査 (sōsa) for criminal investigations. 探究 is too 'academic' for police work.

It means 'spirit of inquiry' or 'intellectual curiosity'. It's a very positive trait.

Usually, 散策 (sansaku - strolling) or 探索 (tansaku - exploring) is better. 探究 would imply you are studying the city's sociological essence.

Yes, it's a Heiban (flat) accent. If you mispronounce it, it might sound like 'thank you' in English.

Yes! Saying you have a 'tankyū-shin' (spirit of inquiry) shows that you are a motivated learner.

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