研究をする
ja phrase 01419
research
Literally: research (noun) + object marker + to do (verb)
In 15 Seconds
- Used for deep investigation or academic study.
- Combines the noun 'research' with the verb 'to do'.
- Works for both professional tasks and serious hobbies.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you are diving deep into a topic to learn everything about it. It is the Japanese equivalent of 'doing research,' whether for a university thesis, a work project, or even a personal obsession.
Key Examples
3 of 6A university student explaining their major
大学で日本の歴史の研究をしています。
I am doing research on Japanese history at university.
A professional discussing a new project
新しい市場の研究をする必要があります。
We need to do some research on the new market.
Texting a friend about a new hobby
最近、美味しいコーヒーの淹れ方を研究してるんだ。
Lately, I've been researching how to brew delicious coffee.
Cultural Background
Research is often associated with long hours and dedication, reflecting the 'shokunin' spirit. In universities, {研究|けんきゅう} is the primary activity of professors and students. Market research is crucial in Japan, often involving detailed data collection. It is common to use this word for hobbies to show you are serious about them.
Context is Key
Use {研究|けんきゅう} for deep, long-term stuff. Use {調|しら}べる for quick, short-term stuff.
Respect the Process
In Japan, saying you are 'researching' something sounds very dedicated and professional.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for deep investigation or academic study.
- Combines the noun 'research' with the verb 'to do'.
- Works for both professional tasks and serious hobbies.
What It Means
研究をする means you are not just looking something up. You are investigating, analyzing, and gathering data. It implies a systematic or deep effort. Think of it as the difference between checking the weather and studying meteorology. It covers everything from lab work to market analysis.
How To Use It
You usually pair this with a specific topic. Use the particle の or について to link your subject. For example, AIの研究をする means 'to do research on AI.' You can use it as a verb 研究する or with the particle 研究をする. Both are very common in daily life.
When To Use It
Use this in academic settings like university or school. It is perfect for professional environments when discussing market trends. You can also use it for hobbies! If you are trying to find the absolute best ramen shop in Tokyo, telling a friend you are 研究中 (in the middle of research) adds a fun, dedicated vibe to your quest. It shows you take your interests seriously.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for quick, simple tasks. If you are just checking a bus schedule, use 調べる (to look up). If you are asking a friend for their phone number, 研究 sounds way too intense. It might make you sound like a mad scientist if you use it for basic daily facts. Also, avoid using it for 'searching' for a lost physical object like your keys.
Cultural Background
Japan has a deep culture of 'Otaku' and craftsmanship. This means people often 'research' things to an extreme degree. Being called a 研究家 (researcher) of something niche, like vintage denim or rare insects, is often a compliment. It shows you have 'Shokunin' (craftsman) spirit. The phrase reflects the Japanese value of being thorough and detail-oriented.
Common Variations
In casual speech, people often drop the を and just say 研究する. If you want to sound very professional in a meeting, you might say 研究を行っております (we are conducting research). If someone asks why you are staring at a menu for ten minutes, you can jokingly say 研究しています (I am researching).
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any situation where 'depth' is involved. It is safe for both workplace and school environments.
Context is Key
Use {研究|けんきゅう} for deep, long-term stuff. Use {調|しら}べる for quick, short-term stuff.
Respect the Process
In Japan, saying you are 'researching' something sounds very dedicated and professional.
Examples
6大学で日本の歴史の研究をしています。
I am doing research on Japanese history at university.
Standard academic usage using the continuous form.
新しい市場の研究をする必要があります。
We need to do some research on the new market.
Common in business contexts for market analysis.
最近、美味しいコーヒーの淹れ方を研究してるんだ。
Lately, I've been researching how to brew delicious coffee.
Casual use showing dedication to a hobby.
どのケーキを食べるか、今研究中だから待って！
I'm currently researching which cake to eat, so wait!
Uses the phrase jokingly to justify taking a long time.
何年もこの病気の研究をして、ついに答えが見つかった。
After researching this disease for years, I finally found the answer.
Shows the long-term commitment implied by the word.
将来は宇宙の研究をしたいです。
I want to do research on space in the future.
Expressing a dream or career path.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct verb.
私は大学でAIの_____をしています。
While 'benkyou' (study) is possible, 'kenkyuu' is the specific term for deep research.
Which sentence is more natural?
A: 私はランチの研究をします。 B: 私はランチの調査をします。
Researching lunch is usually just 'investigating' options, so 'chousa' is slightly better, though both are technically weird for lunch.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 何を_____の？ B: 宇宙の秘密について調べてるんだ。
The context is about deep investigation, so 'kenkyuu' is the best fit.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises私は大学でAIの_____をしています。
While 'benkyou' (study) is possible, 'kenkyuu' is the specific term for deep research.
A: 私はランチの研究をします。 B: 私はランチの調査をします。
Researching lunch is usually just 'investigating' options, so 'chousa' is slightly better, though both are technically weird for lunch.
A: 何を_____の？ B: 宇宙の秘密について調べてるんだ。
The context is about deep investigation, so 'kenkyuu' is the best fit.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, use 'shopping' instead. 'Researching' shopping sounds like you are writing a thesis on it.
It can be both formal and informal depending on the topic.
Related Phrases
{調査|ちょうさ}をする
similarTo investigate/survey
{分析|ぶんせき}をする
similarTo analyze
{勉強|べんきょう}をする
similarTo study
{実験|じっけん}をする
builds onTo experiment
